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THE 



HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 



MARBLEHEAD. ^?i^ 



SAMUEL ROADS, Jk. 



A queer old place ; but every stone that trips you in her streets 

Is instinct with the loyal pulse that in its bosom beats. 

This may be metaphor, it is but true as gospel still ; 

For Marblehead is Marblehead, has been, and always will. 

Mrs. Mason- 




-4 



BOSTON: 
HOUGHTON, OSGOOD AND COMPANY. 

1880. 






n 



Copyright, 1S80, 
Bi SAMUEL KOADS, Jb. 



RIVERSIDE, CAMBRIDGE : 

STEREOTYPED AND PRINTED BY 

H. 0. HODGHTON AND COMPANY. 



To 
FRANK H. BROWN. 



My Dear Frank: 

To you, as in our boyhood days, I bring the work that I have finished for 
approval. 

Since the time, now years ago, when the friendship of our lives began, yours has 
been to me the voice of loving kindness and encouragement. At your suggestion 
this memorial of our native town was undertaken ; and through the many difficulties 
obstructing my progress your sj'mpathy has sustained me, and enabled me at length 
to bring the work to a successful completion. 

To j'ou, therefore, as a pledge of a friendship sanctified by holy memories of a 

happy past, this volume is affectionately dedicated. 

SAMUEL ROADS, Jr. 

V aiARBLFJ^FAD^ MA S s" 

November 20, 1879. 



PREFACE. 



I HAVE written the " History and Traditions of Marble- 
head." That the work could have been rendered more in- 
teresting, had it been undertaken by an abler and more ex- 
perienced hand, I have no doubt. I have done the best I 
could, however, with the materials at ray command, and 
though there are, doubtless, errors and omissions in the work, 
I trust that they are not such as to detract materially from 
its value as an accurate history of the town of Marblehead. 

There are, of course, incidents related in these chapters 
which I would gladly obliterate from the fair pages of our 
history ; but a due regard for the completeness of the work 
demanded that they should receive attention, as well as the 
many deeds of heroism of which we are justly proud. 

In presenting this book to the public, I desire to acknowl- 
edge with sincere thanks, the assistance I have received 
from my friends and fellow-citizens. Many have placed the 
choicest stores of their family archives at my disposal ; 
while those who had nothing else to offer, have sustained 
' me in my labors with encouraging words and kindly in- 
terest. 

Where all have been so kind, it is hard to discriminate in 
the selection of those who have rendered most efficient ser- 
vice. I would say, however, that perhaps more than to any 
others, I am especially indebted to my friends William D. 
T. Trefry, and Daniel D. Gile. One rendered valuable and 
much needed assistance in the preparation of the index, and 
the other, by patient attention to my necessities rendered it 



VI PREFACE. 

possible for me to have access to the library of the Boston 
Athenteum. 

I am also indebted, among many others, to Pr. Henry 
Wheatland, president of the Essex Institute, for permission 
to examine the collections of that important society ; to 
William Gilley, Esq., the town clerk of Marblehead, for 
valuable assistance in the examination of records ; to Wil- 
liam B. Brown, Esq., for the loan of important documents ; 
to Mr. John Prince ; Hon. Isaac Story, of Somerville ; Mr. 
William Pratt, of Boston; the Rev. John Lee Watson, of 
Orange, N. J. ; Isaac C. Wyman, Esq., and Hon. William 
D. Northend, of Salem; and to the clerks of the various 
churches in Marblehead for similar favors. 

And last, but not least, I am indebted to my beloved 
grandmother, Mrs. Eliza A. Roads, from whom I obtained 
many of the traditions related in this work, and at whose 
knees I learned to love and reverence the characters of the 
men of other days, whose noble deeds and earnest lives re- 
flect honor on the town. 

With these words in grateful recognition of assistance, I 
submit my work to the people of Marblehead. If it shall 
awaken an interest, in any degree proportionate to that 
which I have felt during the many weary months of prep- 
aration, it will not have been in vain. 

Saimuel Roads, Jr. 

Maeblehead, November 20, 1879. 



"^s. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. p^ 

Indian History. — The Naumkeags. — Nanepashemet, the King.— The 
Squaw Sachem. - Indian Name of Marblehead. - Customs of the 
Naumkeags.- Indian Relics found in Marblehead. - Indian Stockade, 
etc 

CHAPTER II. 

The First Settlers. - Their Probable Origin. — Date of the Settlement 
of the Town. — Origin of the Name " Marble Harbor." - Thomas 
Gray. -Isaac Allerton. - Moses Maveri(ik. - The Fishery Business 
established. — First Mention of the Name " MarbleheM-" — Mr. Crad- 
dock's House burned. -Death of the Rev. John Avery and his Family. 

— Allerton's Misfortunes. —A "Plantation" established at Marble- 
head — Grants of Land by the General Court and the Town of Salem. 
_ Proposed Site of a College. - The Ship " Desire " built. - First Ne- 
gro Slaves imported into the Colony. - Grants of Land to Fishermen. 

— John Gatchell ordered to cut his Hair. — A Rate ordered. - Names 
of Inhabitants of Marblehead assessed. — William Walton.— The First 
Meetin-house.— First Public House. — Orders concerning Trees.— 
TheLa"st Record of Grants. - State of Affairs in 1644. -The First 
Constable. — Order concerning the Erection of a Breastwork. — The 
Inhabitants ordered to exercise in MUitary Movements .... 

CHAPTER III. 

Incorporation of the Town. - First Selectmen. - Town Action. - Divis- 
ion of the Common Lands. -Mr. Walton's Salary. -Ferry to Salem. 

— The Meeting-house " sealed." - Hugh Peters. - First Highway to 
Salem. —A Magistrate for Marblehead. —Military Company organized. 
_ Death of Mr. Walton. — Samuel Cheever. — New Gallery at the 
Meeting-house. -Neck Road laid out. - The Leanto. - Customs of the 
Fishermen. — Increase in the Number of Inhabitants. — King Philip's 
War. — Sudden Death of Two Eastern Indians. — First School m 
Town. — A Watch-house built. — Robert Knight. — Benevolent Action. 



35 



Vlll CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

— Ordination of Mr. Cheever. — First Church gathered. — Township 
purchased of the ludians. — Trial of "Mammy Red" for Witchcraft . 17 

CHAPTER IV. 

Superstitious Beliefs. — The Story of the " Screeching Woman." — Cus- 
toms of the Young Women. — Mr. Maverick. — Curious Customs at 
Weddings. — Customs at Funerals. — School taught by Josiah Cotton. 

— His Views of Marblehead. — Old Dimond. — Belief of the luhabi- 
tants concerning Him. — Superstitious Stories. — St. Michael's Church. 

— Controversy in First Church. — New Meeting-house built. — Second 
Congregational Society organized. — Mr. Holyoke and Mr. Barnard 
settled. — Condition of the Town in 1714, as described by Mr. Barnard. 

— The Marblehead Dialect. — Names by which certain Families were 
known. — Some of the Idioms. — Marblehead Seamen captured by Pi- 
rates. — Philip Ashton's Experience. — His Escape to a Desert Island. 

— Sufferings while there. — The Rescue. — Text of Parson Barnard's 
Sermon on his Delivery. — Nicholas Merritt. — His Capture and Es- 
cape 

CHAPTER V. 

Old Meeting-house enlarged. — School opened by Nathan Bowen. — Se- 
lectmen authorized to hire a School-master. — Town Hall built. — 
River-head Beach. — First Meeting held in Town Hall — Terrible Rav- 
ages of Small-pox. — Excitement of the People. — Action of the Town. 

— The Sixpenny Tax. — Opposition of the Fishermen. — Benjamin Bo- 
den. — Action of the Town concerning the Tax. — Mr. Holyoke elected 
President of Harvard College. — Province Appropriation for Erection of 
the Fort. — Controversy concerning the Fund. — The Fountain Inn. — 
Traditions concerning it. — Pirates arrested in Marblehead. — The Story 
of Agnes Surriage. — Frankland's Visits to Marblehead. — The Fish- 
erman's Daughter. — The Manor-house at Hopkinton. — Reception in 
England. — Earthquake at Lisbon. — Heroic Conduct of Agnes. — The 
Marriage. — Life in Boston and Hopkinton. — Death of Frankland. — 
Departure of Lady Agnes for England. — Her Second Marriage. — Her 
Death. — The Great Awakening. — Whitefield's Visit to Marblehead. — 
Religious Controversy. — Rev. Mr. Malcolm. — King George's War. — 
Siege of Louisburg. — Action of the Town. — Fortifications erected. — 
School for Poor Children. — Old School-house. — Customs of the Fish- 
ermen. — A Boy's Apprenticeship. — Voyages to the "Banks." — The 
First Fire Engine. — Organization of the Fire Department. — An Early 
Engine Company. — Names of first Engines. — Small-pox. — By-laws 
against Gambling — Excise Bill. — Protest of the Town. — French and 
Indian War. — Powder-house built. — Marblehead Vessels captured. — 
Petition for Protection. — Capture of Schooner " Swallow." — Imprison- 
ment of the Crew. — Escape of the Officers. — Marblehead Seamen at 



CONTENTS. IX: 

PAGE 

the Siege of Quebec. — Capture of the Schooner " Prince of Orange." 

— Imprisonment of the Crew. — Attempt to seize the Schooner " Ram- 
bler." — Work-house erected. — Streets named. — Town Pump. — 
Small-pox. — Hospital erected 48 

CHAPTER VI. 

Contests with the Crown. — Duties levied by Parliament. — The Stamp 
Act. — Excitement in Boston. — Action of Marblehead. — Instructions 
to Representatives. — Duty on Glass, Paper, and Tea. — Excitement in 
Massachusetts. — British Troops in Boston. — Action of the Governor. 

— Rebuke of the Legislature. — Its Dissolution. — Action of Marble- 
head. — Disasters to Fishermen. — Condition of the Town in 1768. — 
Slavery in Marblehead. — Tradition of the Rev. Peter Bours. — Trus- 
tees of Schools. — Appropriations. — School-masters. — Public Primary 
Schools. — Impressment of American Seamen. — Heroic Resistance of 
Marblehead Seamen to Impressment. — Patriotic Instructions. — Meet- 
ings of Merchants of Boston. — Action of Merchants of Marblehead. 

— "Non-importation" Agreement. — Reception of a Chest of Tea. — 
The Boston Massacre. — Action of Marblehead. — Agreement not to 
use Tea. — Names of those who refused to sign the Agreement. — Dis- 
tress caused by Disasters at Sea. — Governor Hutchinson. — " The 
State of Rights." — Circular Letter to Towns. — Response of Marble- 
head. — Committee of Grievance elected. — Patriotic Letter adopted by 
the Town. — Action of a few of the Merchants. — The Small-pox War. 

— Excitement in Marblehead. — Measures of Precaution. — Hospital 
erected. — Tarred and feathered for stealing Clothing. — Colonel Glov- 
er's Way of receiving a Mob. — Arrest of Incendiaries. — Prisoners 
rescued from Jail. — A Battle threatened between Citizens of Salem 
and Marblehead. — Punislied at the Whipping-post. — Opposition to 
Importation of Tea. — The Boston Tea Party. — Governor Gage. — 
The Longest Town Meeting ever held. — Address to Ex-governor 
Hutchinson. — Addressers in Marblehead. — Recantations demanded. 

— Instructions to John Gallison. — Storehouses offered to Merchants 
of Boston. — Delegates elected to Continental Congress. — Action on 
the Use of Tea. — British Soldiers on Marblehead Neck. — County 
Meetings. — Military Discipline. — A Citizen wounded by British Sol- 
diers. — Continental Congress. — Provincial Congress. — The Marble- 
head Regiment. — Officers holding King's Commission resign. — Offi- 
cers commissioned by the Town. — Action of the Loyalists. — Votes of 
the Town concerning Loyalists. — Vessels expected with Tea . . 72 

CHAPTER VII. 

The Minute Men. — Payment of Soldiers. — British Frigate in Marble- 
head Harbor. — Vessels searched. — Arms retaken. — Colonel Leslie's 
Expedition. — British Troops land on Homan's Beach. — The March 



: CONTENTS. 

I 
to Salem. — IMarblehead Men at the North Bridge. — Fishermen re- 
quested not to venture out to Sea. — Battle of Lexington. — Escape of 
Messrs. Gerry, Orne, and Lee. — Death of Jeremiah Lee. — His Char- 
acter. — Action of the Provincial Congress. — Orders to Colonel Glover. 

— Press-gangs in Streets of Marblehead. — Captain Trevett's Artillery 
Compauy. — Recruiting for the Continental Army. — ^ False Alarms. — 
Sloop-of-war Merlin. — Arrival of a Merchant Vessel. — Delegates to 
Provincial Congress. — Providing for the Comfort of Soldiers. — Glov- 
er's Kcgiment. — Colonel Glover commissioned. — Captain Trevett's 
Company at Bunker Hill. — Marblehead Men killed and wounded. — 
Glovei's Regiment marches to Cambridge. — List of Officers. — Uni- 
form- of the Regiment. — The Town fortified. — Arrival of a Vessel 
from New Providence. — Expedition to the River St. Lawrence. — Cap- 
tains Broughton and Selman. — Prizes captured. — The Governor of 
St. John's Island a Prisoner. — Washington's Displeasure. — The First 
American Privateer. — Capt. John Manly in the Schooner Lee. — First 
Naval Victory of the War. — Capture of the Brig Nancy. — Her Cargo. 

— Two other Ves.sels captured. — A Desperate Engagement. — Escape 
of Manly. — Sufferings of the People. — Representatives elected. — 
Captain ]Mugford's Exploit. — His Impressment and Relea.se. — Cap- 
ture of the Brig Hope. — Her Cargo. — The Franklin attacked by Boats 
of the British Fleet. — Heroic Resistance of the Crew. — Death of 
Mug-ford. — The Funeral. — Mr. Gerry's Wish for American Independ- 
ence. — Declaration of the Citizens of Marblehead. — Independence 
declai-ed. — Reception of the News. — Measures adopted for raising Re- 
cruits. — Punishment of Loyaliiits. — The Robie Family. — Their De- 
parture from Town. — Dreadful Wish uttered by Mrs. Robie. — Benja- 
min Marston. — His Books and Papers seized. — His Escape from the 
Town. — Ashley Bowen. — His Sufferings. — Courage of the Loyal- 
ists of Marblehead. — Small-pox. — Distress of Families of Soldiers. — 
Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union. — The New State Con- 
stitution. — Recruits for Continental Army. — Patriotism of Jonathan 
Glover. — Regulation of Prices. — Fortifications on the Headlands. — 
Delegates to State Constitutional Convention. — State Constitution rat- 
ified. —The Letter-of-marque Thorn. — Daring Attempt of the British 
to seize the Thorn in Marblehead Harbor. — The Discovery. — Hiding- 
place of the British Soldiers. — Their Escape. — The " Dark Day." — 
Appropriation to hire Men for the Army. — First State Election. — 
Vote of Marblehead. — Sufferings of the Soldiers in the Army. — Sub- 
scriptions for their Relief. — Distress in Marblehead. — Condition of 
the Town in 1780. — Bubier's Plains sold to raise Money for Recruits. 

— The Public Schools. — Peter Jayne. — Trustees elected. — Success 
of American Arms. — The Town's Indebtedness to Jonathan Glover. — 
Town Dock and Wharf sold. —Opposition to the Warden Act. — A 
Large Fire. — Return of the Refugees. — Excitement in Marblehead. 



CONTENTS. XI 

PACE 

— Vengeance threatened on the Robie Family. — Demonstrations on 

the Declaration of Peace 110 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Departure of the Marblehead Regiment for Cambridge. — General Wash- 
ington takes Command of the Army. ^ First Order to Glover's Regi- 
ment. — Glover appointed to superintend Equipment of Armed Vessels. 

— Reception of Cargo of Mauly's Prize. — The Mortar christened. — 
A Skirmish in Camp. — Glover's Regiment and Trevett's Artillery or- 
dered to Marblehead. — The Regiment stationed at Beverly. — Reor- 
ganized as the Fourteenth Continental Regiment. — Ordered to New 
York. — Fire-ships on the Hudson River. — Retreat from Long Island. 

— The Boats manned by Glover's Regiment. — Glover in Command of 
Clinton's Brigade. — The Evacuation of New York. — Important Ser- 
vice rendered. — The Regiment at Harlem Plains. — Attack by the 
British. — Disorder of American Militia. — Washington reenforced by 
Glover's Regiment. — Extract from a Letter of Colonel Glover to his 
Mother. — The Army on New York Island. — The Battle at East Ches- 
ter. — Gallant Behavior of Glover's Brigade. — Thanks of Generals 
Washington and Lee. — Statement of an Eye-witness. — Movements 
of Glover's Brigade. — The Battle of White Plains. — Flight of Amer- 
ican Militia. — British repulsed by Glover's Brigade. — A Gloomy Pe- 
riod. — Washington's Army crosses the Delaware. — The Marblehead 
Regiment in the Advance. — The Victory at Trenton. — Testimony of 
General Knox. — Washington given Additional Powers. — Col. Wil- 
liam R. Lee. — OfHcers of his Regiment. — Colonel Lee appointed Adju- 
taut-general of the Army. — Colonel Glover appointed Brigadier-gen- 
eral. — His Brigade at Saratoga. — Battle of Bemis's Heights. — The 
British annoyed after the Battle. — Statement of General Burgoyne. 

— Second Battle of Bemis's Heights. — Gallant Charge of the Marble- 
head Men. — Retreat of the British. — The Attack at Saratoga. — 
Fortunate Discovery by General Glover. — Surrender of Burgoyne. — 
Glover conducts the British Army to Cambridge — Arrival of the Brit- 
ish.— Received by Col. William R. Lee. — Treatment of Prisoners by 
General Heath. — Disgraceful Conduct of the British. — Trial of Colo- 
nel Heuly by Court-martial. — General Burgoyne's Estimate of Gen- 
eral Glover and Colonel Lee. — Colonel Lee in Command at Cambridge. 

— A British Officer's Tribute to the Character of Colonel Lee. — Colo- 
nel Lee resigns his Commission. — Glover's Brigade at Valley Forge. 

— Erection of Forts at West Point.' — Expedition against Rhode Island. 

— Volunteers from Marblehead. — Glover on Staff of General Sulli- 
van. — Thanks to Men of Marblehead and Salem. — Departure of the 
French Fleet. — Protest of American Generals. — The Retreat from 
Rhode Island. — Skirmish at Quaker Hill. — Route of the British. — 
Evacuation of Rhode Island. — Volunteers from Marblehead man the 



Xll CONTENTS. 

FA6B 

Boats. — Glover's Brigade at Norwalk, Ridgefield, and Peekskill. — Suf- 
ferings of the Soldiers. — The Brigade at West Point. — Capture of 
Major Andre'. — The Execution. — The Army at Peekskill. — Surren- 
render of Cornwallis 139 

CHAPTER IX. 

Commodore IManly in Schooner Hancock. — Capt. Samuel Tucker in 
Schooner Franklin. — Anecdote of the Express with Commission. — 
Cruise of the Franklin. — Capture of Two British Transports. — Com- 
modore Manly transferred to Frigate Hancock. — Tucker in Command 
of Schooner Hancock. — Two Brigs captured in the BaJ^ — Cruise of 
Capt. John Lee in Privateer Nancy. — Brilliant Exjdoit of Captain 
Lee. — His Capture in the British Channel. — Prizes taken by Priva- 
teers Hancock and Peggy. — Capture of the British Frigate Lively. — 
Cruise of the Frigates Hancock and Boston. — Captain Manly captures 
the Frigate Fox. — Desperate Engagement with Three British Frig- 
ates. — 'Capture of the Hancock. — Cowardly Conduct of Captain Mc- 
Keil. — Commodore Tucker in the Frigate Boston. — A Large Ship 
captured. — Death of Lieutenant Magee. — Gallant Conduct of Tucker. 

— Capt. John Harris in the Brigantine Penet. — Takes Mr. Austin to 
France. — Murder of Captain Harris by a British Officer. — Commo- 
dore Tucker conveys John Adams as Envoy to France. — The Story 
of Adams in the Battle. — Successful Cruise of the Frigate Boston. — 
Escape of Capt. John Lee from Fortou Prison. — Captures by Commo- 
dore Tucker in the Boston. — Commodore Manly in the Privateer Cum- 
berland. — Captured by a British Frigate. — His Escape from Prison. 

— Engagement with Two British Privateers. — Commodore Tucker 
captures Thirteen Prizes. — Other Prizes. — The Letter-of-marque 
Freemason. — Her Capture. — Successful Exploit of Robert Wormsted 
and the Crew. — Commodore Tucker at the Siege of Charleston, S. C. 

— He demolishes a Light-house and a Fort. — Surrender of the Amer- 
ican Squadron. — Spirited Reply of Tucker to the British. — Cruise of 
Capt. Richard Cowell in Sloop-of-war Thorn. — A Large Number of 
Prizes captured. — Spirited Engagement with the Letter-of-marque St. 
David. — Her Capture. — Cruise of Commodore Tucker in the Thorn. 

— Engagement with the British Packet Lord Hyde. — Cruise of Captain 
Cowell in the Ship Marquis. — Engagement with a British Letter-of- 
marque. — Glorious Victory for Captain Cowell. — Important Prizes 
captured by Tucker. — Desperate Engagement with the English Ship 
Elizabeth. — Capture of the Thorn. — Escape of Tucker and his Offi- 
cers Capt. Robert Wormsted. — Capture of a British Vessel. — The 

Pursuit and Escape. — Capture of the Ship St. Helena by the British 
Brig Lively. — Seizure of the Lively by the American Prisoners. — 
Value of the Prize. — The Last Naval Battle of the Revolution. — 
Brilliant Achievement of Commodore Manly in the Frigate Hague. — 



CONTENTS. xm 

PAGE 

Capture of Capt. Ambrose James by an English Cruiser. — Veterans of 
the Revolution alive in 1830. — Brief Sketches of their Experience . 174 

CHAPTER X. 

Attempts to restore Prosperity. — Visit of General de Lafayette. — Ad- 
dress of Welcome. — Reply of Lafayette. — Shays' Rebellion. — Action 
of Marblehead. — The Federal Constitution. — Mr. Gerry's Views con- 
cerning it. — Delegates from Marblehead to State Convention. — First 
President of the United States. — Gift and Address of Marblehead to 
Vice-president Adams. — Marblehead Academy established. — Names 
of Benefactors. — First Exhibition. — Naval Officer of Marblehead. — 
Controversy over an Appointment. — First Collector. — Licenses granted. 

— Reception of President Washington. — Address of the Selectmen. — 
Washington's Letter in Reply. — Condition of the Town in 1790. — 
Wretchedness of Inhabitants. — Benevolence of Academy Scholars. — 
The Grand Lottery for Relief of the Town. — Names of Managers. — 
Drawing of Prizes. — Beneficial Results. — Methodist Church organized. 

— A Seribus Fire. — Incorporation of Marblehead Academy. — Town- 
ship of Land granted. — Joseph Story's Reminiscences of his School 
Days. — Progress of Scholars. — The Mails. — First Postmaster. — War 
between France and England. — A Marblehead Schooner seized. — Em- 
bassy to the French Court. — Mr. Gerry's Action. — Preparations for 
War. — Veterans of the Revolution. — A Light Infantry and other 
Companies organized. — Death of Col. Azor Orne._ — Hon. Samuel 
Sewall. — Tribute to the Memory of Judge Sewall. — First Bequest to 
the Town. — Death of George Washington. — Impressive Ceremonies 
at Marblehead. — Oration by Joseph Story. — Small-pox Excitement. 

— Poverty of the Town. — Relief from other Towns. — The Federal 
and Democratic Parties. — Their Origin and Principles. — Party Spirit. 

— Vote of Marblehead in 1801. — Marblehead Bank incorporated. — 
Business of the Town. — First Directors, President, and Cashier. — 
Heroism of Capt. William Powers. — Marblehead Seamen impressed by 
a British Cruiser. — Political Excitement. — A Newspaper Controversy. 

— The "Lying Pamphlet." — A Marblehead Town Meeting. — The 
Pamphlet burned. — Citizens examined by the Grand Jury. — Action 

of the Town 200 

CHAPTER XL 

Depredations of British Cruisers. — Attack upon the Frigate Chesapeake. 

— Resolutions of Marblehead. — The Embargo Law. — Marblehead 
Vessels captured. — Distress caused by the Embargo. — Appropriation 
for Relief of the Poor. — Land ceded to the United States. — Gun- 
house erected. — The True Story of Skipper Ireson. — Story told by 
his Crew. — Statement of the Captain of the Wrecked Vessel. — Vessels 
sent to find the Wreck. — An Innocent Man punished. — A Cowardly 



XIV CONTENTS. 

PAQE 

Crew. — Opposition to the Embargo in Massachusetts. — Resolutions 
of Mavblehead indorsing the Administration. — Letter to Congressman 
Story. — Vessels offered to the Government. — Reception of Marble- 
head Resolutions in Congress. — Delight of President Jefferson and 
Prominent Democrats. — Secession advocated in Massacliusetts. — Pa- 
triotic Resolutions. — The Administration indorsed. — Ready for War. 

— Impressment of Seamen. — The Constitution to be maintained. — 
Rights to be defended. — Repeal of the Embargo. — Marblehead Light 
Infantry organized. — Schooners captured. — Elbridge Gerry elected 
Governor. — Vote of the Town in 1810. — Baptist Church organized. 

— War declared against Great Britain. — Action of the Legislature. — 
Antagonistic Addresses. — Boston and other Towns opposed to War. 

— Marblehead Resolutions. — Pledge to support the Government. — 
Privateers fitted out. — Marblehead Men on Board other Privateers. — 
Crew of the Constitution. — Enthusiasm of the People. — Celebration 
of the Fourth of July. — Capture of the Ship Orient. — Release of the 
Crew. — Prizes captured by Privateers. — Impressment of Joseph Fur- 
ness. — Battle between the Constitution and Guerriere. — Statement of 
a Prisoner from Marblehead. — Prizes sent into Marblehead. — El- 
bridge Gerry elected Vice-president. — Battle between the Constitution 
and the Java. — Marblehead Seamen killed. — Battle off Marblehead 
Neck between the Shannon and the Chesapeake. — Death of Captain 
Lawrence. — Marblehead Men on Board the Shannon. — An Attack 
feared. — Preparations for Defense. — The Marblehead Light Infantry. 

— The Home Guards. — Company at Fort Sewall. — Two Men shot 
in "the Streets. — British Prisoners at Fort Sewall. — The Constitution 
chased into Marblehead Harbor. — A Dutch Sloop of War in the Har- 
bor. — Heroic Conduct of Lieut. John G. Cowell. — His Death and 
Burial. — An Imposing Funeral. — Close of the War. — Marblehead 
Seamen in British Prisons. — The Massacre at Dartmoor. — Marble- 
head Men wounded. — Impatient to get Home. — A Ship seized. — Mar- 
blehead Men in the War 230 

CHAPTER XIL 

Sacrifices made by the Town. — Visit of President Monroe. — Organiza- 
tion of Sabbath-schools. — Delegates to Constitutional Convention. — 
Second Visit of General de Lafayette. — Lafayette Guards. — The 
Marblehead Artillery Companies. — Curious Scenes on Training Days. 

— Origin of "Marblehead never retreats." — The Columbian Society. 

— Streets named. — Earliest Shoe Manufacturers. — Reform at the 
Almshouse. — First Local Newspaper. — Grand Bank incorporated. — 
Its First President and Directors. — Light-house erected. — Female Hu- 
mane Society. — Seamen's Charitable Society. — Visit of President 
Jackson. — The Whig Party. — Rival Celebrations on the Fourth of 
July. — Fire Department reorganized. — Universalist Church. — The 



CONTENTS. XV 

PAGE 

Panic of 1837. — High School established. — The Surplus Revenue 
Controversy. — Stage-coach Communication. — Opening of the Eastern 
Railroad. — Condition of the Town in 1839. — Bequest of Mr. A. S. 
Courtis. — Presidential Campaign of 1840. — The Liberty Party.— 
First Anti-slavery Men in Marblehead. — Lyceum Hall erected. — The 
Eechabites and Odd Fellows. — Gerry Fire Engine. — Great Gale on 
the Banks of Newfoundland. — A Terrible Calamity. — Monument 
erected on the Old Buryiug Hill. — The Railroad Accident of 1848. — 
Ship-building in Mnrblehead. — "Washington Hook and Ladder Car- 
riage. — The New Almshouse. — The Spiritualists. — The Glover Light 
Guards. — Bequest of Moses A. Pickett. — His Life and Character. — 
Three Great Military Festivals. — Fourth of July Celebration of 1856. 

— The Sons of Temperance and the Musical Association. — South 
Church organized. — The "Mugford" and " General Glover" Fire En- 
gines. — Waterside Cemetery. — Fire on State Street. — The Roman 
Catholic Church. — The Good Templars and the Christian Association. 

— Fire on Essex Street. — The Great Strike of the Shoemakers. — 
Presidential Campaign of 1860 256 

CHAPTER Xm. 

Industrial Development. —Extension of Pleasant Street. — Opening of 
the Railroad to Salem. —Joseph R. Bassett.— School Street opened. 

— Sewall Street. — Streets across " Reed's Hill." — Houses erected. — 
How Workingmeu obtained Homes. — The First Sewing-machine in 
Marblehead. — First Operator. — The Binder. — Steam Saw-mill erect- 
ed. — Commercial and Prospect Streets. — New Settlements. — Panic 
of 1857. — William T. Haskell & Co. — Joseph Harris & Sons. — 
Method of manufacturing Shoes. — Industry of the People. — Litro- 
duction of McKey Machines. — Compo Work 276 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Election of Abraham Lincoln. — Secession of the Southern States. — 
Bombardment of Fort Sumpter. —President Lincoln's Call for Troops. 

— The Marblehead Companies the first to reach Boston. — How Captain 
Martin rallied his Company. — Prompt Action of the Citizens. — The 
Work of the Ladies. — Generosity of the School Teachers. — Marble- 
head Soldiers in Maryland.— " The Constitution " saved. —Patriotic 
Letter from Captain Martin. — The Mugford Guards. — Address of 
William B. Brown, Esq., on their Departure. — Return of the Three 
Months' Men. — Reception by the Citizens. — Company B, Twenty- 
third Regiment. — The first Marblehead Men killed in Battle. — Heroic 
Conduct of William B. Hubbard. — Funeral of Lieutenant Goodwin 
and Sergeant Morse. — Bounties offered by the Town. — The Work of 
Recruiting. -Recruiting Agent appointed by Governor Andrew. — En- 
listment of Volunteers. — The Nine Months' Men. —Relief for Farai- 



Xvi CONTENTS. 

PAGB 

lies of Soldiers. — The Draft. — Fort Sewall enlarged. — New Forts 
erected. — The Lafayette Guards. — The Ladies of the Unitarian Soci- 
ety. — Work and Money for the Soldiers. — The Twenty-seventh Un- 
attached Company. — Bravery of William Goss. — Demonstrations in 
Honor of Lee's Surrender. — Assassination of President Lincoln. — 
Number of Men from Marblehead in the Army and Navy. — The 
Killed and Wounded. — Amount of Money raised by the Town for War 
Purposes 283 

CHAPTER XV. 

Marblehead Sailors in the Navy. — Capt. Michael B. Gregory. — Cruise 
of Capt. Josiah P. Cressey in the Ino. — Marblehead Officers un- 
justly accused of Disloyalty. — Meeting of the Citizens. — Capt. Wil- 
liam D. Gregory in the Ship Bohio. — Prizes captured. —A Success- 
ful Stratagem. — Daring Exploit of Marblehead Sailors. — Capt. Sam- 
uel B. Gregory in United States Steamer Western World. — Engage- 
ment with the Enemy. — Fort Pulaski. — A Skirmish in the South 
Santee River. — Cruising in Doboy Sound. — A Mutinous Crew. — 
Blockade Runners captured off the Coast of Virginia. —Jefferson Da- 
vis offers a Reward for the Capture of Capt. S. B. Gregory. — The 
United States Steamer Perry. — Sailors captured by the Rebels. — Cap- 
tain Gregory on the Potomac, etc 304 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Improvements in the Shoe Business. — Division of Labor. — Increase of 
Business. — New Buildings erected. — Marblehead and Lynn Railroad 
Company. — Railroad and Avenue Controversy. — Atlantic Avenue. — 
New Streets. — M. A.Pickett Fire Association. — Fires in 1866. — Fire 
on Pleasant Street in 1867. — Accident at Baptist Church. — First Ob- 
servance of "Memorial Day." — Liberty Hose Company. — Streets 
lighted. — Controversy in the Fire Department. — Marbleliead Steamer 
No. I. — Marblehead Savings Bank. — "Marblehead Messenger" estab- 
lished. — Torch-light Parade of Fire Department. — Church " Star of 
the Sea" burned. — Improved Order of Red Men.— Small-pox Excite- 
ment. — Great Fire on Washington Street. — Opening of Swampscott 
Branch Railroad. — Financial Panic of 1873. — Suffering in Marble- 
head. — Resolution of Thanks to William B. Brown. — Fire on Reed's 
gill, — First Loss of Life at a Fire. — Columbian Building destroyed 
by Fire. — The " Gregory Fund." — First Annual Parade of Fire De- 
partment. — Benjamin Abbot's Legacy to the Town. — Town votes to 
erect Abbot Hall. — Controversy over Selection of a Site. — Building 
Committee elected. — Temporary Injunction restraining the Town from 
erecting Abbot Hall. — Decision of Justice Ames, of Supreme Judicial 
Court. — Corner Stone of Abbot Hall laid. — Great Temperance Re- 
vival of 1876. — Marblehead Reform Club. — Celebration of One Hun- 



CONTENTS. XVll 

PAGE 

dredth Anniversary of Mugford's Victory. — The Mugford Monument. 

— Dedication of Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument. — Political Cam- 
paign of 1876. — Abbot Library. — Red's Pond Reservoir. — Destruc- 
tive Conflagration of 1877. — Donations for Relief of Sufferers. — Re- 
building the Burnt District. — Gifts for Abbot Hall. — Dedication of 
Abbot Hall. — Abbot Library opened. — Political Campaign of 1878. — 
Growth of the Town as a Summer Resort. — Condition of the Town in 
1879 312 

CHAPTER XVIL 

History of Marblehead Great Neck. — Division of Common Lands. — The 
Pish-flakes. — Early Residents. — Stratton's Spring Well. — John Pe- 
drick. — Coombes the Loyalist. — British Soldiers on the Neck. — Other 
Residents. — The Salt-works. — John Andrews. — The Brown Estate. 

— First Summer Residents. — " The Tent on the Beach." — Nashua 
Village. — The Sparhawk Lot. — Sale of Brown Estate. — The Land 
Company. — Improvements. — New Houses. — The Hall. — Natural 
Advantages. — Half-way Rock. — Customs of Fishermen. — Views from 
the Neck 333 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Old Houses and Landmarks. — Tucker House. — Warehouses. — Old Tav- 
ern. — General Glover's House. — Eagle House. — Old Custom House. 

— Capt. John Selman. — Parson Barnard's House. — Pickett House. — 
Home of Col. Azor Orne. — Washington Street. — Old Meeting-house. 

— Birth-place of Elbridge Gerry. — Major John Pedrick. — Parson 
Story's House. — Old Town House. — Bowen House. — Nathan Bowen. 

— Extracts from Criminal Records. — Birth-place of Judge Story. — 
Dr. Elisha Story. — Edward Augustus Holyoke. — Robie House. — 
Major Joseph W. Green. — " King " Hooper. — Lee Mansion. — John 
Hooper, Esq. — Hon. Samuel Hooper. — Bowden House. — Sewall 
Mansion. — Joseph Hooper. — Hon. William lieed. — Watson House. — 
Benjamin Marston. — Marston Watson. — Prentiss House. — Mugford 
House. — Grist House. — Wormstead's Shop. — Capt. Josiah P. Cressey 340 

CHAPTER XIX. 
First Congregational Church 358 

CHAPTER XX. 
St. Michael's Church 362 

CHAPTER XXL 

Second Congregational Church. — Methodist Episcopal Church . . 379 
b 



XVlll CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XXIL 

PAGB 

Baptist Church. — Universalist Church 384 

CHAPTER XXm. 
Church Star of the Sea. — Advent Church 388 



THE 

HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

OF 

MARBLEHEAD. 



CHAPTER I. 

Makblehead is a peninsula situated at the southeast- 
ern corner of Essex County, Massachusetts, sixteen miles 
northeast of Boston. The township comprises three thou- 
sand seven hundred acres, and is about four miles in length 
from northeast to southeast, being from one and one half 
to two miles in breadth. The surface is to a great extent 
irregular and rocky, and considerably elevated above the 
land of the surrounding country. Connected by a narrow 
isthmus with the main-land is a small peninsula, rather more 
than a mile in length and about half a mile wide, contain- 
ing about three hundred acres. This peninsula, from the 
earliest settlement of the town, has been known as the 
" Great Neck." 

Between the " Neck," jutting out so boldly into the 
Atlantic Ocean, and the rocky coast of the main-land, is a 
beautiful sheet of water, a mile and a half long and half 
a mile wide, forming one of the most excellent harbors on 
the New England coast. 

At the time of the landing of our fathers upon a coast so 
barren and uninviting, as it must have appeared to them, 
they found the entire section of eastern Massachusetts in- 
habited by a race of men, the remnants of what but a few 
years before the coming of the white men had been a large 
1 



THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 



and powerful tribe of Indians. They were of the tribe of 
the Nanmkeags, then under the jurisdiction of the Squaw 
Sachem of Saugus, the widow of the great Nanepashemet, 
who, in his lifetime, had been a chief whose power and au- 
thority no neighboring tribe dared question. But war and 
pestilence, those two dread enemies of the human race, had 
made sad havoc among the Naumkeags ; and however desir- 
ous they might have been to resist the encroachments of the 
white men upon their domain they were but little prepared 
to do so. The great war in which they had engaged with 
the Tarrantines in 1615 had proved disastrous to them, and 
Nanepashemet, their chief, had been obliged to retreat from 
his settlement at Saugus to a hill on the borders of the 
Mystic River, where he resided till the time of his death. 
The plague which broke out among the Indians in 1617 
raged with especial severity among the Naumkeags. Hun- 
dreds of them were destroyed, and those who survived were 
rendered an easy prey to their enemies. The Tarrantines, 
well aware of the weakness of their great opponent, seized 
the earliest opportunity to attack him. In 1619 they be- 
sieged his fortifications at Mystic, where, after a most heroic 
resistance, Nanepashemet was killed. Two years later a 
party from the Plymouth colony, while ranging about the 
country, came across some of his forts, one of which was 
undoubtedly in Marblehead, near Forest River, the remains 
of which may still be seen.^ Mr. Winslow, in his account 
of this journey, writes : " Having gone three miles, we came 
to a place where corn had been newly gathered, a house 
pulled down, and the people gone. A mile from hence 
Nanepashemet, their king, in his life-time had lived. His 
house was not like others ; but a scaffold was largely built 
with poles and planks, some six foot from the ground and 
the house upon that, being situated on the top of a hill. 
Not far from lience, in a bottom, we came to a fort built by 
the deceased king, the manner, thus : There were poles, 
1 See Lewis's Lynn, and Felt's Salem. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 3 

some thirty or forty feet long, stuck in the ground as thick 
as they could be set one by another, and with them they 
enclosed a ring some thirty or forty feet over. A trench, 
breast high, was digged on each side ; one way there was to 
get to it with a bridge. In the midst of this palisade stood 
the frame of a house wherein, being dead, he lay buried. 

"About a mile from hence we came to such another, but 
seated on the top of a hill. Here Nanepashemet was killed, 
none dwelling in it since his death." 

After the death of Nanepashemet the general government 
of the Naumkeags was continued by his widow, who be- 
came the squaw sachem. She was assisted by the three 
sons, Wonohaquaham, Montowampate, and Winepoyken, 
or Winnepeweeken, all of whom became sagamores. The 
squaw sachem lived on terms of friendliness with the whites, 
and finally submitted to their government. 

The three sons of Nanepashemet, after the death of their 
father, had each his separate jurisdiction as sagamore. Wo- 
nohaquaham, called by the English John, was located on the 
Mystic River ; Montowampate, called by the white people 
James, had jurisdiction of the territory now comprised in 
Lynn, Salem, and Marblehead, or, as Mr. Lewis in his " His- 
tory of Lynn " says : " Saugus, Naumkeag, and Massabe- 
quash." The last was the Indian name for " Forest River," 
but whether it was applied to the territory comprised in the 
township of Marblehead there appears to be no means of 
ascertaining, except on the authority of Mr. Lewis. Wine- 
poykin, called by the English George, was the youngest son 
of Nanepashemet. He was born in 1616, and was a boy 
when the white men made their settlement on his territory. 
The Rev. John Higginson, in writing of this sagamore, 
says, " To ye best of my remembrance, when I came over 
with my father to this place, being then about thirteen years 
old, there was a widow woman called Squaw Sachem who 
had three sons. Sagamore John kept at Mystic, Sagamore 
James at Saugust, and Sagamore George here at Naum- 



4 "THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

keake. Whether he was actual sachem here I cannot say, 
for he was about my age, and I think there was an older 
man, yt was at least his guardian. But ye Indian town of 
wigwams was on ye north side of ye North River, not farre 
from Simondes, and ye both ye north and south side of that 
river was together called Naumkeke." 

In 1633 both Sagamore John and Sagamore James, with 
many of their people, died of the small-pox, which broke 
out among them and raged to such an extent as to nearly 
exterminate the entire tribe. So disastrous were the effects 
of the disease among them that it is stated " that Mr. 
Maverick gave Christian burial to thirty of them in one 
day." 

After the death of his brothers, Winepoykin became sag- 
amore of Lynn and Chelsea, as well as Naumkeag ; and 
after the death of his mother, which took place in 1667, he 
became sachem of all that part of Massachusetts which is 
north and east of the Charles River. Winepoykin married 
Ah away et, a daughter of Poquanum, who lived at Naliant. 
He died in 1684, and on the sixteenth of September of that 
year the inhabitants of Marblehead procured a deed of their 
township from his heirs. It is signed by Ahawayet, who is 
called " Joane Ahawayet, squaw, relict, widow of George 
Saggamore, alias Wenepauweekin." 

Of the manners, customs, and habits of life of these In- 
dians little is known, except such as can be gathered in ex- 
tracts from the writings of the early settlers. That they 
lived, generally, in peace with their white neighbors there 
can be httle doubt. The great reduction in their numbers 
would seem to be of itself evidence that they were obliged 
to keep the peace ; and the testimony of the white men 
proves this theory correct. 

The Naumkeags are described as a tall, strong-limbed 
people, whose only article of wearing apparel was a beast 
skin thrown over one shoulder, and another about the waist. 
Their wigwams were small, and were constructed of poles 



OF MARBLEHEAD. O 

set in the ground and fastened at the top, being covered 
with mats made from the boughs of trees. 

Like all the Indians of North America, the Naumkeags 
compelled their squaws to do the greater part of the manual 
labor, while they, the lords of the forest and the mighty 
waters, spent their time in fishing, hunting, and idleness. 
Their wants were few. With plenty of corn, raised by the 
women, the forests abounding in game, and the waters 
about their coast filled with fish of almost every variety, 
there was no reason why they should suffer hunger, save 
only from their own indolence and inactivity. 

Kind and docile in their disposition, and generous in 
their treatment of the whites, they in time became the 
wards of the settlers ; and forsaking the gods of good and 
evil whom their fathers had taught them to worship, many 
were baptized and embraced the Christian religion. 

That Indians formerly occupied the land now comprised 
in the territory of Marblehead there can be no doubt. 

Relics of villages, grave-yards, shell heaps, and an In- 
dian fort have been found from time to time, which, were 
other evidence wanting, would be sufiicient to prove the 
fact. Numerous arrow-heads, spears, clubs, and various 
utensils made of stone have also been found. 

The largest shell heap is near the " Pine " Grove, on the 
fine of the railroad to Salem. This contained by actual 
measurement thirty cords of shells, placed in layers of stone 
and ashes. 

Excavations found in the " Small-pox Pasture," at the 
Harris Farm, and in fields on Atlantic Avenue, have been 
thought to indicate the former location of Indian wigwams. 
These cellars are always to be found near some reliable sup- 
ply of water ; they are from six to eight feet across, and 
were originally from two to four feet in depth. 

The Bessom Pasture, near Salem Harbor, was probably 
the site of an Indian village. Excavations, supposed to 
have been the cellars of wigwams, are to be found every- 
where in the vicinity. 



6 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

In November, 1874, an examination of the bill in this 
pasture revealed a grave containing five skeletons, four be- 
ing those of grown persons, and the other that of a child. 
They were all in a remarkable state of preservation, except 
that of the child, one being very large, evidently that of a 
man. The bodies were all buried on their backs, with their 
heads to the west except one, which lay with its head to the 
east; the legs being drawn up so that the knees nearly 
touched the chin. The grave contained, besides the skele- 
tons, a lot of trinkets, an earthen cup, a small bell, two sea- 
shells, and a quantity of beads, proving conclusively that 
the bodies were buried after the white settlers came to 
America. 

By reliable tradition we are informed that Indians dwelt 
in Marblehead as late as one hundred and sixty years ago. 
The location of an Indian " Stockade " in the Lower Di- 
vision Pasture is still pointed out by some of the older in- 
habitants. They received their information many years ago 
from aged citizens, then about to depart for their final rest, 
whose memories fondly cherished the traditions transmitted 
to them by their fathers. 




PowDKK House. 






'^ 




( )l.!) Bl'rmxc Hll. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 



CHAPTER 11. 

Maeblehead was settled about the year 1629. Authori- 
ties differ as to the exact part of England from whence 
these settlers emigrated, though all agree that they were 
English, and that they made their settlement in the north- 
eastern part of the town, near the headland now known as 
Peach's Point. From their manners and customs, but more 
especially from their peculiar dialect, it would seem that 
they were natives of the islands of Guernsey and Jersey in 
the British Channel. Their numbers were undoubtedly 
increased from time to time by people from the west of 
England, which would account for many of the idiomatic 
peculiarities which for more than two centuries characterized 
the speech of their descendants. They were fishermen, a 
rough, illiterate race, accustomed to a life of toil and hard- 
ship, probably from infancy, and they were therefore neither 
dismayed nor disheartened at the difficulties attending the 
founding of a settlement in the wilderness. 

A few years before the coming of these settlers a settle- 
ment had been founded four miles north of their landing- 
place, and the village thus formed had been named Salem. 
This township included in its boundaries a large portion of 
the land now comprised in nine or ten towns of Essex 
County, one of which is Marblehead. Though a corporate 
port, and within the limits of Salem, the little peninsula 
seems to have been known even at that early day by a 
distinct name. The Rev. Mr. Higginson, writing of the place 
in 1629, speaks of the rocky headlands which line the shore 
as " Marble stone, that we have great rocks of it, and a 
harbor hard by. Our plantation is from thence called 
Marble-Harbor." 



8 ■ THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

From the record of the Massacliusetts Colony, under 
date of October 18, 1631, we learn that it was ordered : 
" that Thomas Grayes howse at Marble-Harbor shalbe puld 
downe, & that noe Englisheman shall hereafter give howse 
roome to him or intertaine him, under such penalty as the 
court shall thinke nieete to inflicte." It is evident, how- 
ever, that the sentence was not executed, as the name of 
the offender is frequently mentioned in subsequent records. 

In September, 1631, Isaac Allerton, one of the most 
prominent men of the Plymouth Colony, having had some 
difficulty with his associates, set sail in the White Angel 
for Marble-Harbor, where he established a Fishery Station. 
His son-in-law, JNIoses Maverick, accompanied him ; and a 
shoi-t time after their arrival it is recorded that "this sea- 
son Mr. Allerton fished with eight boats at ]\Iarble-Har- 
bor." 

It was probably with reference to the business thus es- 
tablished, that in April, 1633, the court ordered : " That if 
any swine shall in fishing time, come within a quarter of a 
myle of the stage at Marble-Harbor, they shalbe forfeited 
to the owners of sd stadge, & soe for all other stadges 
within their lymitts." 

The name Marblehead is mentioned for the first time in 
the Colonial records of 1633 under circumstances not par- 
ticularly flattering to the inhabitants, though it is by no 
means certain that the persons named were residents among 
them. " July 2d., 1633 James White is fiined xxx s for 
drunkeness by him comitted att Marblehead, on the Sabbath 
day. John Bennet is ffined x s for being drunke att Mar- 
blehead." 

The early records of the colony abound with references to 
Allerton and his doings. Under date of September 1, 1633, 
Governor Winthrop makes the following entry in his journal : 
" Mr. Craddocks house at Marblehead was burnt down about 
midnight before, there being in it ]\Ir. Allerton and many 
fishermen whom he employed that season, who all were pre- 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 9 

served by a special providence of God, with most of his 
goods therein, by a tailor, who sat up that night at work in 
the house, and, hearing a noise looked out and saw the 
house on fire above the oven in the thatch." 

The brief period of Allerton's residence in Marblehead 
were evidently years of misfortune to him and his family. 
During the same year in which his house was destroyed, a 
pinnace which he had sent on a trading voyage to France, 
was lost with its entire cargo. Two years later, in March, 
1635, the court ordered that " he shall be sent for to the in- 
tent that he may understand the desire of the country for 
his removal from Marble-Harbor." Accordingly, in May of 
that year, he conveyed to his son-in-law, Moses Maverick, 
all his houses, buildings, and stages at Marblehead, and de- 
parted, it is presumed, for New Haven, Conn. 

But his misfortunes were not to end with his removal. 
During the same year a shallop, which he had sent to New- 
bury to convey the Rev. John Avery and his family to Mar- 
blehead, was lost off Cape Ann, with nearly all on board. 
Shortly after his arrival in New England Mr. Avery had 
been invited to take up his residence at Marblehead, " but," 
as Mr. Mather says in his " Magnalia," "there being no 
church there, and the fishermen there being generally too 
remiss to form one," he had declined the invitation. It 
seems, however, that he had been induced to reconsider 
his determination and had embarked with two families, his 
own and that of his cousin, Mr. Anthony Thacher. On 
their passage a storm arose, and the vessel was lost ; the 
only persons in the entire company who were saved be- 
ing Mr. Thacher and his wife, who were cast ashore by the 
waves. 

On the 6th of May, 1635, the court ordered : " That 
there shalbe a plantacion at Marble-Head, & that the in- 
habitants now there shall have liberty to plant and imp've 
such ground as they stand in neede of, & that as sd plan- 
tacion increaseth, the inhabitants of Salem shall p'te with 



10 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

such ground as sbalbe imp'ved by them thereabouts, being 
payed for their labor and costs." It was also ordered that 
Mr. John Humphrey should improve the land between the 
Clifte and Forest River, and dispose of it to the inhabitants 
of Marblehead as they stood in need ; the only charge to 
the purchaser being enough to recompense him for the labor 
and costs bestowed upon it. 

" June 3, 1635. It is ordered that Mr. Holgrave shall 
have power to presse men to help unlade the salt at Marble- 
head." 

In March, 1636, the court agreed that Mr. Humphrey's 
land should begin at the Clifte, in the way to Marblehead, 
" which is the bound between Salem and Linn, and so along 
the line between the said townes to the rocks, one mile, by 
estimation, to a greate red oake, from wch the said marked 
tree, all under & over theis rocks vpon a streight line 
to the running brooke by Thomas Smyth's house, all the 
which said ground wee alow him for his owne, & soe from 
Thomas Smyth's to the sea." 

The records of Salem, with the records of the colony, 
give the only authentic information concerning the town 
and its people, at this early stage of its history. The first 
mention of Marblehead, in the records of Salem, is as fol- 
lows : " By vote of the towne representatives viz., the 13 
Men Deputed — the 28th., of the first moneth, 1636. John 
Peach, ffisherman, and Nicholas Mariott having fenced about 
five acres of ground on Marble Neck ^ (though contrarie to 
the order of the towne). Yet its agreed that they may for 
the present improve the said place for building or planting, 
provided ahvayes that the propriety thereof be reserved for 
the right of the towne of Salem, to despose in the p'cesse 
of tyme to them or any other ffishermen or others, as shalbe 

1 In the early records the land between Forest River and the ocean, near 
the boundaries of what is now the town of Swainpscott, was called the Plains, 
or Marblehead Neck. The peninsula now known by that name was then 
called " Greate Neck." 



OF MARBLEHEAD. ~ 11 

thought most meet, yet soe as the.y may have reasonable 
considei-ation for any chardge they sbalbe at." 

In 1636 the building of a college was projected, and the 
site proposed for its erection was in Marblehead, evidently 
in tbe vicinity of Mr. Humphrey's farm. At a town meet- 
ing held at Salem, in May of that year, in an order for the 
division of Marblehead Neck, Mr. Humphrey made appli- 
cation for some land beyond Forest River. The request was 
referred to a committee of six gentlemen, who were author- 
ized to view the land, and " to consider of the premises, 
least it should hinder the building of a College, which would 
be many mens' losse." In October following the court 
granted X400 towards the erection of a college, and the 
next year a committee was chosen to superintend its erec- 
tion. Among the number of this committee were Mr. 
Humphrey, and the Rev. Hugh Peters. The court sub- 
sequently ordered the college to be built at Cambridge, then 
called Newtowne, and to be named " Harvard College," in 
honor of the Rev. John Harvard, who made a bequest of 
several hundred pounds towards its erection, and donated 
his library for the use of the students. 

Not only did the General Court encourage education and 
learning by the establishment of schools, but every industry 
and enterprise having for its object the general welfare of 
the colony was fostered and aided by wise legislation. The 
year 1686 was an important epoch in the history of the 
little community at Marblehead. During that year a ship 
of one hundred and twenty tons burden, the third ship ever 
built in the colony, was constructed on the shore, probably 
on the harbor side of the plantation. This vessel was 
known as the Desire, and for more than two years was em- 
ployed in the fishing business. A few years later she was 
sent to the West Indies on a commercial voyage, and re- 
turning brought a cargo of " salt, cotton, tobacco, and ne- 
groes." These are supposed to have been the first slaves 
brought into the colony. 



12 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

On the 2d of the eleventli montli (January), 1636, the 
town of Salem ordered, " for the better furthering of the 
fishing trading, and to avoid the inconvenience found by- 
granting land for fishermen to plant, that none inhabiting 
at Marblehead shall have any other accommodation of land 
than is usually given by the town to fishermen, viz. : a howse 
lott and garden lott or grownd for the placing of their 
flakes according to the company belonging to their families ; 
to the greatest family not above two acres, & the comon of 
the woods nere adjoining for their goats & their cattle." 
The same day Mr. Wm. Knight was received for an inhab- 
itant, but no land was to be appropriated " unto him but 
a ten acre lott & comon for his cattle & hay." On the 27th 
of this month another meeting was held, at which it was 
ordered : " That all the land along the shore of Darby Fort ^ 
side, up to (Mr. Humphries land) the Hogsties and so to 
run along the shore towards Marblehead 20 pole into the 
land, shall be reserved for the comons of the towne to serve 
them for wood & timber." 

The next year, 1637, Erasmus James, Nicholas Listen, 
Richard Granaway, and Philip Bere were allowed as inhabi- 
tants " with them at Marblehead, and were granted two 
acres of land each." John Hart and William Charles were 
granted five acres each, and a house lot of half an acre be- 
tween them. " John Deverekxe," was also granted half an 
acre for a house lot. 

At a town meeting held on the 21st of August, 1637, then 
the sixth month in the year, John Gatchell of Marblehead 
was fined ten shillings for building upon the town's land 
without permission. In case, however, that he should " cut of 
ye long har off liys head into a sevil frame," it was agreed 
that half his fine should be abated, and that be should have 
permission to go on with his building in the mean time. 

The prejudice of the Puritans against the habit of wearing 

1 " Darby Fort " was a fortification at Naugus Head, built by the people of 
Salem as a place of refuge in case of attack by the Indians. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 13 

long bair is well known, and it seems that they were will- 
ing to enter into any compromise with Mr. Gatchell in order 
to remove the obnoxious habit. It appears, however, that 
he was not a man to submit to any such interference with 
his personal appearance, and, it is said, " continued the cus- 
tom to his dying day, in spite of popular opinion and all 
the formal denunciation of Church and State." 

On the first day of January, 1637, a meeting was held at 
Salem, and a vote of one hundred and twenty pounds was 
ordered, of which eight pounds were to be assessed upon the 
following inhabitants of Marblehead : — 

. 140 Moses Mavericke, 20 Samuel Gatchell, 

150 Wm. Steephens, 15 John Bennet, 

40 Archibald Tomson, 15 John Wakefield, 

20 Wm. Charles, 10 Erasmus James, 

20 John Heart, 30 Thomas Gray, 

50 John Peach, 50 John Devereux, 

10 John Lyon, 30 Nicholas Mariott, 

20 Anthonie Thatcher, 10 Abraham Whitehaire, 

30 John Coite, 5 George Vickary, 

20 Richard Seers, 5 John Russell, 

10 Richard Greeneway, 5 Nicholas Listen, 

20 John Gatchell, 5 Philip Beare. 

Under date of September 6, 1638, the records of the col- 
ony have the following entry : " Moses Maverick is per- 
mitted to sell a tun of wine at Marblehead, and not to ex- 
cede this yeare." 

As the number of inhabitants increased the records of 
grants made at the town meetings became more numerous. 
On the 14th of October, 1638, the following grants of land 
were made to inhabitants of Marblehead : — 

" To Mr. Walton, eight acres on the Main ; to Moses 
Maverick, at the same place ten acres ; to John Coite on 
the Necke three acres ; to Will. Keene and Nich. Listen on 
John Peach's Necke, three acres ; More to them on the 
Greate Necke, five acres; to Richard Seers three acres 



14 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

where he had planted formerly ; to John Wakefield, four 
acres on the Necke ; to John Gatchell and Samuel Gatchell, 
six acres on the Necke ; to Tho. Sams three acres on the 
Necke ; to John Lyon four acres near his house ; to the 
Widow Blancher, six acres on the Necke ; to Ralph Wai-rin 
two acres on the Necke ; to George Ching three acres on 
the Necke ; to Philip Beare three acres near the Widow 
Tomsons ; to John Bennet four acres upon John Peaches 
Necke; to Rosamond James four acres on the Main." ^ 

The " Mr. Walton " to whom the first grant was made was 
Mr. William Walton, who was then preaching at Marble- 
head, though without ordination. This is the first mention 
of his name in the records, and it is therefore probable that 
he began his ministrations in Marblehead during the year 
1638. Through his endeavors, seconded by Maverick and 
other infl^uential inhabitants, a meeting-house was erected, 
and religious services were regularly held on the Sabbath. 
This edifice, which was a crude, barn-like structure, stood 
upon one of the most rocky hills of the town ; and about 
it, after the manner of their forefathers, the simple fisher- 
men made their burial-ground. 

On the 23d of December Arthur Sanden and William 
Barber were granted two acres of land each, and Messrs. 
Maverick and Walton were appointed to lay out the lotSo 

In May, 1640, Arthur Sanden was allowed by the court 
to keep an Ordinary at Marblehead, and the following year 
was licensed to keep a victualing-house. This was probably 
the first public house established in the town. 

Marblehead at this time has often been described as a 
place barren of trees and abounding in nothing but rocks 
and unproductive land. The records of the general town 
meetings and of the commoners prove conclusively that this 
is a mistake. The fact of its settlement is also of itself evi- 

1 The Main was the part of the town near the harbor ; John Peach's Neck 
was from " Naugus Head " to what is now called " Peuch's Poiut," and from 
" Naugus Head " to the " Lead Mills," was known as the " Forest Side." 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 15 

dence of the fallacy of this theory, for emigrants in those 
days could not have settled on a coast where there were no 
trees from which they could build their houses. At a town 
meeting held in Salem on the 11th of November, 1640, it 
was ordered that all who should cut timber trees within 
two miles of Salem, and one mile of Marblehead, and pre- 
pare them for shipping, should be paid for their labor. The 
last record of grants in the records of Salem concerning land 
in Marblehead is in 1640, when the inhabitants were granted 
" all such lands near adjoining them as have not been 
formerly granted to other men." 

The state of affairs in Marblehead seems to have occupied 
much of the attention of the General Court at its session in 
May, 1644. The people were negligent of many of the laws 
of the colony, and treated others with contempt ; and as 
laws which were readily obeyed by the Puritans in other 
towns could not be enforced among them special legislation 
was found necessary for their government. According to 
the Puritan law no one could become a freeman without 
first becoming a church member; and none but freemen 
could vote at elections or hold 9,ny office whatever in the 
colony. The inhabitants of Marblehead were far from be- 
ing a religious people, and, though they supported a relig- 
ious teacher, and " maintained the ordinances " on Sunday, 
no church had been formed, and there were few church mem- 
bers among them. As a consequence there were no magis- 
trates or officers in their community, and, being some dis- 
tance from the settlement at Salem, they knew no law save 
that of their own will. 

This fact, and the necessity that there should be some 
officer in the place to enforce the laws of the colony, led the 
court to relax somewhat its accustomed strictness in such 
matters, and to order : " That in defect of freemen at Mar- 
blehead, the inhabitants of Salem shall have libertie to com- 
mend some honest and able man, though he be not a free- 
man, and the Deputy Governor shall have power (if he 



16 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

think him fit) to give him the oath for constable of that 
place till this Court shall take further order." Accordingly, 
on the 25th of the same month the inhabitants of Salem 
elected David Curwithin, who was duly sworn as constable 
of Marblehead for one year from the date of his election. 

On the same day that the order for the election of a con- 
stable was adopted the court also voted to grant leave to 
Marblehead to " fortify itself by a breast-worke or other- 
wise," and directed " two guns to be delivered unto them 
with convenient amunition thereto." It is uncertain whether 
this order was executed by the refractory Marbleheaders, but 
that they were not considered as sufficiently well instructed 
in the arts of war, in accordance with the laws of the colony, 
is evident, from the following order adopted on the 23d 
of May : "In consideration of the great default and neglect 
of the inhabitants of Marblehead in not exercising them- 
selves in Martiall discipline, — It is ordered that the inhabi- 
tants of Marblehead shall make choyce of some one who 
shall exercise the rest, that they may not be to seeke when 
special occations call for their assistance." 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 17 



CHAPTER III. 

The year 1648 was one of the most momentous in the 
entire history of Marblehead. Early in March tlie town of 
Salem ordered : " That Marblehead with the allowance of 
the General Court shall be a town, and the bounds to be to 
the utmost extent of the land which was Mr. Humphries 
farme and soe all the land to the sea." On the 2d of May, 
1649, the General Court granted the petition of the 'inhab- 
itants, and the town was duly incorporated as follows : 
" Upon the petition of the Inhabitants of Marblehead for 
them to be a town of themselves, Salem having granted 
them to be a town of themselves, and appointed them the 
bounds of their town which the Court doth grant." 

Shortly after the separation from Salem, a meeting of the 
inhabitants was held, and the following town officers were 
chosen, or, as the record quaintly expresses it, " these men 
were chosen for the towns business : — 

" Seven men or selectmen. — Moses Maverick, Samuel 
Doliber, Francis Johnson, Nicholas Merritt, John Peach, 
Senior, John Deverox, John Bartoll." 

" To gather Mr. AValton's Pay. — James Smith, Joseph 
Dohber." 

This was probably the first meeting of the inhabitants 
after the action of the town of Salem, though there is no 
recoi'd of the date on which it was held except that of the 
year. 

The earliest date in the records is that of a meeting held 
December 22, 1648, when it was " agreed by the Towne 
that all such as are strangers fishing or employed about fish, 
shall pay unto the Towne for their wood and flake stufe and 



18 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

other conveniences, the sum of ten shillings a year for every 
man." By the records of this year, it appears that the in- 
habitants acted as an independent town before obtaining 
the act of incorporation, and that in anticipation of the 
event they were busy in settling and arranging their affairs, 
as befitted an orderly and law-abiding township. The 
swamp running from John Leggs' to Timothy Allen's was 
laid out into eight lots, and divided among the inhabitants. 
A rate was made for the meeting-house, and John Hart was 
authorized to collect it, and to " take what corse the law 
will afford against any such inhabitant as shall refuse to 
pay." 

In order that there might be an equal way of " main- 
taining the ordinance by Mr. Walton," it was agreed, "that 
a rate should be established according to requite." This 
rate was to include strangers "who have benefit by the plan- 
tation by fishing, and make use of wood and timber, and 
enjoy the benefit of the ordinance." Mr. Walton was to 
have forty pounds for his services this year, and the sum of 
eighteen pence was ordered to be added to every man's 
rate, for his wood. 

The common lands were divided equally among the in- 
habitants, according to their former common shares, the rec- 
cord of the meeting concluding as follows : — 

" That there might be an equal proceedinge had having 
respect to families according to their former common shares, 
finding the comons but littell as we conceive to paster not 
more than fifty head of cattell, or cows, accounting a horse 
or mare as two cows, two yearling cattell for one cowe, four 
goats or sheep to a cowe, a steer or bullock of two years ould 
as a cowe, the number of families in the plantation being 
44, thus limited : — 

James Smith and Rowland, 1 Henry Stacey, ^ cow, 

cowe, Will. Chicliesster and Sam. Carr- 
Samuel Doliber, 1 cowe, witheu, 1 cow, 

John Gatchell, H cowe, David Carrwithen, 1 cow, 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 



19 



Edmund Nicholson, 1^ cows, 
William Barber, 1 cow, 
David Thomas, ^ cow, 
John Legg, 1 cow, 
Peter Pittford, ^ cow, 
Erasmus James, 1 cow, 
Tho. Bowiuge, ^ cow, 
John Stacie, 1 cow, 
George Chine, 1 cow, 
John Northey, 1 cow, 
Nicolas Merrett, 2 cows, 
Tho. Pitman, 2 cows, 
Timothy Allen, 1 cow, 
Thomas Lane, 1 cow, 
Arthur Sanden, Ih cows, 
Isaac Allerton, 2 cows, 
Moses Maverick, 3 cows, 
Mr. Walton, 2 cows. 



Tho. Gray, 1 cow, 

Richard Norman, 1 cow, 

John Peach, junior, 1 cow, 

Richard Curtice, 1 cow, 

John Hart, 2 cows, 

William Charles, 2 cows, 

John Deverox, 2 cows, 

Abra. Whiteare, 1 cow, 

John Peach, senior, 2 cows., 

John Bartoll, 1 cow, 

Joseph Dolliber, 1 cow, 

Robt. Knight, | cow, 

John Beunet, 1 cow, 

Francis Johnson Walsingham, ^ 

cow, 
John Norman, 1 cow, 
Chi Salmon for Jon. Goyt, 1 

cow." 



John Lion, 2 cows, 

The earlier records of the town refer principally to the 
common lands, cow leases, land sales, etc., though occasion- 
ally there are very quaint entries to be found. In March, 
1657, " It is ordered that all swine about the towne shall be 
sufficiently ringed by the first of Aprill next upon the pen- 
altie of 2s. 6d. for every defect & Edward Pittsford is to se 
this order to be obsarved." 

In 1658 the town had evidently increased in numbers, and 
had been blessed with prosperity to a greater degree than 
had ever been its fortune before. Mr. Walton's salary was 
increased to <£70, and varied afterward from ,£60 to X80 
yearly. This money was usually collected by persons chosen 
annually at the town meetings for the purpose, and those 
who had not the ready money to pay were allowed to make 
up the amount of their proportion of the rate in provisions. 
Mr. Walton rendered an account yearly of the amount 
received from each person, and these reports abound in 
such names as " Ould Harwood, Ould Sanden, Ould Ben- 



20 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

nett," and others equally as curious. Occasionally in these 
reports we find such items as these: "By half a cow of Mr. 
Brown, £2. 2s, 6d., by h ton of mackrell, £5; by Richard 
Rowland in pork, <£2 ; by Smith in cheese, 13 shillings; by 
Christo. Codner in liquor, 15 shillings." 

At this time the only public conveyance to and from Sa- 
lem was a ferry-boat which was rowed across Salem Harbor 
as often as there were passengers who desired to cross, the 
iare being regulated by a town meeting as " two pence for 
the inhabitants of INIarblehead." Thomas Dixie was the fer- 
ryman, and he was required to keep a boat and an assistant. 
The following year it was " voted to have the meeting 
house sealed," and Mr. Maverick, Mr. Lattimore, and Rich- 
ard Norman were chosen a committee to see it done. The 
work was done by John Norman for nineteen pounds, and 
William Nick, John Legg, Thomas Pittman, Richard Row- 
land, and John Clemment agreed to " see that the seals 
were paid for." 

The events which were daily transpiring in England dur- 
ing the year 1660 were of the utmost interest to the inhab- 
itants of the Colony of Massachusetts, and of the little town 
of Marblehead in particular,^ The Commonwealth estab- 
lished by Cromwell and his zealous adherents had been over- 
thrown, and Charles the Second had been restored to the 
throne made vacant by the murder of his roj^al father. One 
of the first acts of the new king was to bring to trial and 
speedy punishment those who were most actively concerned 
in the overthrow and subsequent murder of his father. 
Among the regicides tried for this offense was one Hugh 
Peters, an eminent preacher and a man of great influence 
among the Puritans. Mr. Peters had been one of the most 
active of the Puritans who settled Massachusetts, and had 
resided in New England for fourteen years, holding many 
ofiices, and being generally esteemed for his zealous efforts 
in behalf of the colonists. In 1639 the court granted him 
1 There were at this time ouly sixteen houses in the entire township. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 21 

five hundred acres of land, a part of which is said to have 
been in Marblehead, now comprised in the section known 
as Devereux. Shortly after the great I^'uritan uprising in 
England he went to that country, and became an active par- 
ticipant in the stirring events of those times. He became 
the chaplain of Cromwell's army, with the rank of colonel, 
and in his sermons and public addresses advocated the most 
extreme measures for the overthrow of the king.^ In 1648 
he advocated the dethroning and beheading of the king, and 
in 1660, after the restoration of Charles IL, he was tried for 
high treason, and sentenced to be drawn upon a hurdle. He 
was executed at Charing Cross, October 16, 1660. 

During this year the inhabitants voted to lay out a high- 
way between Marblehead and Salem, which is the first of 
which there is any record. Seven men were made choice 
of "for the placing and seating of the inhabitants of the 
towne both men and women in the meeting house ; " and 
it was agreed that the townsmen have liberty " to consider 
what way is to be taken for the accommodation and enter- 
tainment of strangers, if it cannot be that one house is suf- 
ficient, then to consider of another, that strangers may be 
the better accommodated." 

The following year the court invested three commission- 
ers with " magistritticall power, refering to Salem and Mar- 
blehead, there being more than ordinary need thereof, that 
iniquity may not pass unpunished." 

One of these commissioners was Major Wm. Hathorne, 
who for several years previous had been magistrate of Sa- 
lem and several other towns, and who now appears to 
have assumed special charge of Marblehead. Before this 
august personage the selectmen summoned several of the 

1 A favorite text from which he frequently preached was as follows : " Let 
the high praises of God be in the mouths of his saints, and a twofold sword in 
their hands, to execute vengeance upon the heathen and punishment upon the 
people ; to bind their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron ; 
V) execute upon them the judgments written :' This honor have all his saints." 



22 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

most prominent citizens, for refusing to keep their cattle in 
accordance with a vote of the town. 

In March, 1662, a contract was made with Robert Knight 
and John Slater, carpenters, to build a gallery at the south- 
west of the meeting house, "sufficient for four seats, with 
columns, and a board at the bottom to keep the dust from 
coming down ; and to be arched sufficient to strengthen the 
house, with stairs and other necessaries." For this labor the 
selectmen agreed to pay them twenty-one pounds " in such 
necessaries as they should have occasion of," and if, when 
the work was ended, they had any of their pay to take up, 
the balance was to be paid in fish or mackerel at the cur- 
rent price. 

At a town meeting held October 21 the commoners 
agreed " that the Cove lying between John Codners and 
John Northies stage, shall be for a common landing-place 
for the use of the public good of the Towne forever." The 
agreement was signed by Moses Maverick, Joseph Dolliber, 
John Peach, senior, Christoph Lattimore, John Waldron, 
John Codner, 'John BartoU, and five others, who were prob- 
ably all of the commoners who could write, and signed in 
the name of the rest. 

The records of this period abound in allusions to those who 
were appointed to keep the cows. In February, 1663, an 
agreement was made with John Staeie to " keep the cattell 
for the year ensuing, and to fetch the cattell of the lower end 
of the Towne at William Charles by the sunn half an hour 
hie and to deliver them their at night half an hour before 
sunn sett." If any were lost he was to use his best endeavors 
to find them the next day, and for his servi^. 's he was to re- 
ceive corn and provisions to the value of sixteen pounds. 

The scarcity of money among the inhabitants cannot be 
more truly illustrated than in this and numerous other votes 
to pay the town's indebtedness to individuals in provisions, 
fish, and other articles. In their intercourse with the out- 
side world they were obliged to barter to an almost unlimited 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 23 

extent. Depending entirely upon the fishing trade for their 
sustenance they had little else to offer for commodities of 
which they were in need, and thus fish became almost their 
only medium of exchange. 

In 1666 the court, considering the exposed condition of 
the harbor of Marblehead, voted that if the inhabitants 
would erect a suitable fort or breastwork, their country rate 
should be abated, and that two or three guns should be fur- 
nished as soon as the fortification was finished. That the 
fishermen might be drilled and disciplined in military move- 
ments and tactics the court ordered that a company should 
be organized, and Major Hathorne was appointed com- 
mander, with Samuel Ward as Sergeant. The fort was 
finished the following year, the cost to the town being about 
thirty-two pounds New England money. 

The year 1667 proved disastrous to the people of Marble- 
head. Owing to the inclemency of the weather during most 
of the season when fish were plenty they were unable to 
venture out in their boats to any distance, and in several 
instances those who did so were lost. The court, therefore, 
with considerate sympathy, voted to abate their proportion 
of the country tax for one year. 

In October, 1668, William Walton, the faithful and zeal- 
ous missionary, died, after having served his Master and the 
poor people of Marblehead for a period of thirty years. 
Coming to them as a missionary to preach the gospel he 
became, without ordination as a clergyman, a loving pastor, 
a faithful friend, and a wise and prudent counselor. His 
advice was sought on all matters of public or private impor- 
tance, and when obtained was usually followed without 
question. That his loss was felt as a public bereavement 
by the entire community there can be little doubt. 

Mr. Walton was succeeded in his noble work by Mr. 
Samuel Cheever, a young man, who but a few years before 
had graduated at Harvard College with the highest honors. 
The meeting-house had recently been repaired, and the 



24 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

young preacher was received with marked attention and 
every possible evidence of respect. The town voted to pay 
him the sum of forty pounds for his service during the first 
six months, and after that eighty pounds yearly. 

In Marcli, 16G9, another gallery was built at the north- 
eastern end of the meeting-house, Robert Knight, Francis 
Collings, and Jeremiah Neal being the builders. The con- 
tract was that the gallery should be built with " five seats, 
stairs and other necessaries as the other gallerey was," and 
the carpenters were to receive for their services the sum of 
twenty-three pounds New England money. At the same 
meeting Francis Linsford was chosen to ring the bell and 
warn the town, and to look after the meeting-house. 

The road leading to the Neck was evidently laid out dur- 
ing this year, as on the 18th of December it was voted that 
on " the next convenient day as many of the Commoners 
and proprietors as can shall see that a convenient way be 
laid out for drift of cattle to the Necke on the other side of 
the great harbor." 

To the early settlers, and for many years, the harbor was 
known as the " Great Bay," or " Great Harbor," while 
the cove at the lower end of the town, known as " Little 
Harbor," was on account of its convenience, and because it 
was so much nearer the settlement, used almost exclusively 
as the harbor. 

On the 6th of April, 1672, the town " ordered by gen- 
eral consent, that a ' Lentoo' be built adjoining to the back 
side of the meeting house twenty foot in breadth and forty 
foot in length, with three gable ends in the same, with tim- 
ber work," etc. The building of this addition to their house 
of worship appears to have been the cause of great contro- 
versy and disagreement among the inhabitants. The town 
voted to instruct the selectmen to " seat the men and women 
in the Lentoo," but after vainly endeavoring to assign 
seats to the satisfaction of the fault-finding and jealous wor- 
shipers, they declined to have anything more to do with the 



OF MAEBLEHEAD. 25 

matter; and were with difficulty persuaded not to resign 
their offices as selectmen. The disagreement now assuming 
the phase of a downright quarrel, a town meeting was called 
and the matter was put into the hands of a committee con- 
sisting of Mr. Maverick, Mr. John Devereux, John Peach, 
Senior, and Nicholas Merritt. These men were fully empow- 
ered " to seat the Lentoo men and women in ye seats, cut 
an alley way through ye ould part, dispose of any persons * 
who shall want seats, or lose their seats by means of ye 
alley, in ye most convenient places in ye ould or new part, 
and rectify any disorders with due care that such as have 
been formerly seated may keep their places as many as con- 
veniently can." It was also ordered, for " ye regulating 
and preventing of disorders in seats," that Richard Norman 
should have power to "look after all persons, men and 
women, that they keep these seats upon penaltie of two shil- 
lings five pence for every single offense upon every Sabbath 
day." These fines were to be " destrained upon legal warn- 
ing given to the parties offending," and one third of the 
amount was to be given to Mr. Norman, and the remainder 
to be appropriated for the poor of the town. 

However sadly the inhabitants may have disagreed in 
regard to the seating of the " lentoo," as they termed the 
addition, it is evident that the day on which the former was 
raised was one of general rejoicing. Those who are familiar 
with New England customs in the olden time know that it 
was thought next to impossible to have a " house raising " 
without extending an invitation to the entire community to 
assist. These occasions were generally observed as holidays, 
and were devoted by the younger people to merry-making 
and the most joyous festivities. The wine and other liquors 
flowed freely, and, while many partook of the beverages tem- 
perately, an opportunity was given to the weak and thought- 
less to indulge in a reckless round of dissipation and drunk- 
enness. The raising of the Leanto was no exception to the 
general custom. In the report of the expenses incident to 



26 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

the occasion we find the following item : " Paid for rum and 
charges about fish with wine at raising the ' Lentoo ' at the 
Meeting House .... ^4 2s. 6d." 

The custom of using intoxicating liquors as a beverage, 
which prevailed throughout New England until a compara- 
tively recent date, was one of the besetting sins of the peo- 
ple of Marblehead from its earliest settlement. Not a ves- 
sel went from its harbor, whether for a long trip to the 
" Banks " or for a few days' fishing in the bay, without a 
plentiful supply of liquor. Not a vessel arrived with a fare 
of fish without providing a good store of " something to 
take " for washing-out day. This custom was so universal 
that even at the town meetings liquor was provided as a 
matter of course. As a consequence many were disorderly, 
and the meetings were frequently disturbed. 

In 1674 the town had increased to such an extent that 
there were then one hundred and fourteen householders, 
whose names, with their commonage, are recorded in the 
records.! At a town meeting held during this year it was 

1 The names are as follows : John Deverix, James Smith, Richard How- 
land, John AValdein, John Gatchell, William Woods, Thomas Rose, David 
Thomas, John Legg, William Nick, Erasmus James, Thomas Bourne, John 
Stacey, Senior, John Coduar, John Northey, Nicholas Marriatt, Thomas Pit- 
man, Elias Heuly, Roger & Lott Couant, Mr. Christopher Latimore, Francis 
Johnson, Mr. Samuel Cheever, Moses Maverick, Mr. Walton, Henry Stacey, 
Wm. Chichester, Sam. Carwithey, Thomas Smith, Rich'd Norman, David 
Cartwithey, John Peach, Jr., Widow Bartoll, Joseph Dollaber, Robert Knight, 
Widow Bennett, Mark Pitman, Samuel Ward, Ambrose Gale, Richard 
Knott, Samuel Cundy, Matthew Clarke, Thos. Cowley, Wm. AVaters, John 
Roads, Henry Trevett, William Beal, S. Griggs, Thomas Dixie, Bcnj. Parme- 
ter, Edw'd Read, Saral. Morgan, Wm. Browne, Capt. Corwinge, Thadeus Red- 
den, Wm. Bartholemew, Wm. Pitt, John Legg, Jr., Rich'd Read, Thos. Read, 
John Brimblecome, Rich'd Hemeford, Henry Russell, Thos. Sanden, Dinson 
Stilson, Thomas Trevy, Rich'd Reith, Saml. Reed, Thomas Tainors, Edw'd 
Homan, Thos. Ellis, Edw'd Damon, Nicholas Fox, Thos. Pousland, Thos. 
White, Thos. Dodd, Robert Houper, John Houper, John Pedricke, Sr., John 
Pedricke, Jr., Elias Fortune, John Martiii,^Francis Godler, John Tribby, 
George Picke, Roger Russell, Andrew Tucker, UoU. Bartlett, Saml. Sarding, 
Rich'd Crocker, George Bradtield, Wm. Pow, John Harris, George Godfry, 
Samuel Gatchell, Jeremiah Gatchell, John Hoyle, Alexander Gilligan, John 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 27 

voted that " all these fifteen or sixteen houses built in Mar- 
blehead before ye year 1660, shall be allowed one cows 
common and a halfe." 

In 1675 the war between the Massachusetts colonists and 
the Indians, known as King Philip's War, broke out. The 
fort was accordingly put in order and the .three great guns 
which had been granted by the General Court were placed 
in a proper position for defense. The daring atrocities com- 
mitted by the Indians during this terrible war were such as 
to send terror to the stoutest heart. The war began by an 
attack made by the Indians on the town of Swanzey, where, 
after slaughtering the cattle and plundering the houses, 
they fired on the inhabitants, killing and wounding several. 
The troops of the colony marched immediately to Swanzey, 
and upon their appearance the Indians fled, marking the 
course of their flight by burning the buildings, and fixing 
on poles by the way-side the hands, scalps, and heads of 
the whites. 

" Most of the settlements were surrounded by thick for- 
ests, and as the Indians lived intermixed with the whites, 
the former were acquainted, of course, with the dwellings 
of the latter, and all the avenues to them ; could watch their 
motions, and fall upon them in their defenseless and un- 
guarded moments. Many were shot dead as they opened 
their doors in the morning ; many while at work in their 
fields, and others while traveling to visit their neighbors, 
or to places of worship ; their lives were in continual jeop- 
ardy ; and no one could tell but that in the next moment 
he should receive his death shot from his barn, the thicket, 
or the way-side. Defenseless villages were suddenly at- 
tacked, the houses burned, and the men, women, and chil- 
dren killed or carried into captivity." ^ 

Williams, Saml. Nicholson, John Bartlett, William Poat, George Darling, 
Josiah Codnar, John Roads, Jr., James Watts, Wm. Lightfoot, Philip Har- 
ding, Widow Boatson, Robt. Johnson, Saml. Walton, Josiah Gatchell, AVm. 
Brown, John Marriatt, Widow Stacie. 
1 Hinton's United States. 



28 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

This terrible and bloody war lasted three years and ended 
only at the death of King Philip. The whites had so di- 
minished before its close that they began seriously to ap- 
prehend total extinction. Daring the year 1677, while the 
war was at its height, two Indians were brought as captives 
to Marblehead. Their fate is thus portrayed by Mr. In- 
crease Mather in a letter dated 23 of Fifth Month, 1677. 
" Sabbath night was sennight, the women at Marblehead, as 
they came out of the Meeting-house, fell upon two Indians 
that were brought in as captives, and in a tumultuous wa}^ 
very barbarously murdered them. Doubtless if the Indians 
hear of it the captives among them will be served accord- 
ingly." 

The first school in .town, of wdiich there is any record, was 
opened in 1675, Mr. Edward Humphries being the teacher 
and receiving the sum of forty pounds yearly for his ser- 
vices. The same year a watch house was built upon " the 
hill behind Thomas Dodds house." 

In 1676 Ensign Norman and John Brimblecome were 
chosen " to look after the youth and boys on the Lords day 
that they behave themselves well and orderly." 

In April, 1678, it was ordered " that there shall be a 
Training day warned the next Monday come seven night, 
that all persons Meeting at ye beat of ye drum at ye stocks. 
May forth with goe up and repair the outside fence for the 
keeping out of strange Cattle for this year." 

In March, 1679, it was agreed at a town meeting " that 
Robert Knight shall be clearly requited and descharged from 
paying his Town Rates during his life for his workmanship 
done in the Meeting house in building the gallerey." It 
was also voted at the same meeting " that Robert Knight 
hath libertie for to flow the ferry swamps as to the benefit of 
his Mill, and it is to Contenue during the townes pleasure." 
These votes illustrate the impulsive and genei-ous disposi- 
tions of the people of Marblehead, traits which have charac- 
terized their descendants to a marked degree ever since. 



OP MARBLEHEAD. 29 

But a few years before the passage of these votes Mr. 
Knight in building the Leanto had found it necessary to 
cut away a post under the gallery. For this he was se- 
verely censured, and ordered to replace it, under a heavy 
penalty. Naturally resenting the indignity he delayed his 
work somewhat, and the town voted that if it were not 
completed before a certain date " to sue him, and to pros- 
ecute him from court to court until the case was ended." 
Like many others who have since suffered from the tem- 
porary unpopularity which their actions have occasioned, 
Mr. Knight lived to see the excitement of his fellow citizens 
abate, and had the pleasure of witnessing the popular reac- 
tion in his favor, of which the votes were an evidence. 

Sailors and fishermen are proverbial for their sympathy 
and disinterested benevolence in behalf of the distressed. 
The people of Marblehead have ever been a shining example 
of this class of men, and their generosity and good-hearted- 
ness is shown on nearly every page of their history. A vote 
passed by the commoners in 1682 gives an evidence of their 
kindness which should serve as an example worthy of emu- 
lation by their posterity. Richard Reed, a man advanced 
in years, having forfeited his lease of land for a fish fence, 
by being several years in arrears for rent, the town " voted, 
in consideration of his age and losses, that he might pay two 
pounds, and the rest should be abated ; and that he should 
enjoy the privilege of using the land for a fish fence for the 
rest of his natural life." 

The year 1684 was made memorable by the public ordina- 
tion of Mr. Cheever, and the organization of a church in 
Marblehead. Mr. Cheever had been preaching for sixteen 
years, and the number of communicants had now increased 
to fifty-four, who were in the habit of going to Salem to 
have the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper ad- 
ministered. This having been found inconvenient, a vote 
was passed by the congregation, after the afternoon service 
on the 6th of July, to request Mr. Cheever to be ordained, 



30 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

and to take measures for the organization of a church. On 
the 16th of July a solemn fast was observed for the bless- 
ing of God on the undertaking, the exercises being con- 
ducted by the Rev. Mr. Hale of Beverly. The ordination 
took place on the 13th of August, in the presence of " the 
Deputy Governor, five of the Assistants, twenty Elders," 
and a large concourse of people. 

For some time previous to the period of which we are 
writing, certain Indians, heirs of the Squaw Sachem of Sau- 
gus, had presented claims of ownership of the lands com- 
prised in the township of Marblehead, and after several 
years of controversy it was decided to hold a town meeting 
and take appropriate action in regard to the matter. Ac- 
cordingly on the 14th of July, a meeting was held, and 
Moses Maverick, John Devereux, Captain Samuel Ward, 
Thadeous Riddan, William Beal, Thomas Pitman, Richard 
Read, and Nathaniel Waltown, with the Selectmen, were 
chosen a committee to investigate the matter and search 
after the pretended claims. Messrs. John Devereux and 
Samuel Ward, as a sub-committee, were authorized to pur- 
chase the land and take a deed of it in the name of the 
town in case the claim should be found valid. The com- 
mittee reported that the claim was valid, and that they had 
purchased the land. The town therefore appointed a com- 
mittee, one of whom was Rev. Samuel Cheever, to " jjro- 
portion each Mans part according to his privilege in the 
township." The committee, after attending to the duty as- 
signed them, reported that after " proportioning the amount 
by Cow leases, they found it to amount to nine pence per 
Cow in Money." 

Passing over the events of the intervening years between 
1684 and 1692, of which there is no record of any impor- 
tance, we come to the period when the great witchcraft de- 
lusion spread with such terrible and deadly effect among the 
people of Essex County. The people of Marblehead, cred- 
ulous and superstitious, as were the inhabitants of nearly 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 31 

all maritime towns, listened with awe to tlie tales of distress 
which were brought from time to time from their neighbors 
in Salem ; and, clustered about their firesides, or in the 
shops along the shore, whispered of ghosts and goblins, and 
told blood-curdling tales of the sea. 

At this time there lived in Marblehead an old woman, 
the wife of a fisherman, of whose supernatural powers many- 
weird and dreadful stories had been told. " Mamm'y Red" 
was considered a witch, and had been known to afflict those 
whom she disliked in various ways. To some she sent sick- 
ness and distress by wishing that a " bloody cleaver " might 
be found on the cradles of their infant children ; and it was 
said that whenever the wish was uttered the "cleaver" was 
distinctly seen, and the children sickened and died. At 
other times, it was said, she caused the milk to curdle in the 
milkpail as soon as it had left the cow ; and numerous in- 
stances were cited to prove that she had often caused the 
butter churned by her enemies to turn to " blue wool." 

In spite of the grievous manner in which they believed 
themselves afflicted, the kind-hearted people of Marblehead 
had made no complaint to the authorities of the matter, and 
it was reserved for several deluded young women of Salem, 
who had already caused much suffering in that communit}'- 
by their ready accusations, to cause her arrest and imprison- 
ment. Early in the month of May, 1692, a warrant was 
issued by John Hathorne and Jonathan Curwin, two of the 
Assistants, for the arrest of Wilmot liedd, wife of Samuel 
Redd, of Marblehead, who was charged with " having com- 
mitted sundry acts of witch craft on the bodies of Mary 
Walcot and Marcy Lewis, and others of Salem Village, to 
their great hurt," etc. The examination took place on the 
31st of May at the house of Lieutenant Nathaniel Liger- 
soll of Salem. After listening patiently to the evidence, the 
grand jury brought in two indictments against the woman. 
In one she was charged with " certain detestable arts called 
witchcraft and sorceries, wickedly, maliciously, and feloni- 



82 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

ously used, practiced, and exercised at and in the town of 
Salem .... in, upon, and against one Eliza Booth of Sa- 
lem, single woman, by which said wicked acts ye said Eliza 
Booth was tortured, afflicted, consumed, pined, wasted, and 
tormented." The other indictment charged her with prac- 
ticing her "detestable arts" upon one Eliza Hubbard of 
Salem. 

The Allowing is the report of the examination as found 
in the manuscript records of the trials for witchcraft : — 

" The examination of Willmot Redd, wife of Samuel 
Redd, of Marblehead, fisherman, 31st May, 1692. 

" When this examinant was brought in Mercy Lewis, 
Mary Walcot, and Abigail Williams fell into fits. 

" Mercy Lewis said this woman hath pinched me a great 
Many times. 

" Mary Walcot said this woman brought the book to her. 

" Ann Putnam Jun% saith she never hurt her, but she 
hath seen her once upon INIercy Lewis and once upon Mary 
Walcot the last fast day. 

" Eliza Hubbard said this examinant had brought the 
book to her and told her she would knock her in the head 
if she would not write. 

"Ann Putnam said she brought the book to her just now. 

" Eliz Booth fell into a fit and Mary Walcot and Ann 
Putnam said it was this* woman afflicted her. 

" Susan Sheldan was ordered to go to the examinant, but 
was knoct down before she came to her, and being so car- 
ryed to said Redd in a fit was made well after said Redd 
had graspt her arm. 

" This examinant was bid by the magistrates to look upon 
Eliz. Hubbard and upon the examinants casting her eye 
upon said Hubbard, she, the said Hubbard was knoct down. 

" Abigail Williams and John Indian being carried to the 
examinant in a grevious fit were made well by her grasping 
their arms. 

" This examinant being often urged what she thought 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 33 

these persons ailed, would say : ' I can not tell.' Then be- 
ing askt if she did not think they were bewitched, she an- 
swered ; ' I can not tell.' And being urged for her opinion 
in the case, all she would say was : '*' My opinion is that they 
are in a sad condition.'' " 

The case was evidently laid over for trial until the 14th 
of September following, when a grand inquest was held. 
The following residents of Marblehead were summoned as 
witnesses, namely : the wife and daughter of Thomas Dodd, 
the wife and daughter of Thomas Ellis, John Galley, David 
Shapley, wife and daughter, John Chinn, Martha Beals, 
Elias Henley, Jr., and wife, Benjamin Gale, John Bubbee 
(Bubier), Charity Pitman and Jacob Wormwood; all of 
whom appeared except John Galley and Elias Henley, Jr., 
who were at sea, and Benjamin Gale, who was not well. 

The testimony of the persons belonging in Salem was 
substantially the same as that given by them at the exami- 
nation in May, except that every look and gesture of the 
poor woman on that occasion was now brought up as evi- 
dence against her, and each of the witnesses concluded by 
saying : " I believe in my heart that Willmot Redd is a 
witch." 

" The testimony of Gharity Pitman of Marblehead : — 

" This deponent aged twenty-nine years affirms : That 
about five years ago, Mrs. Syms of ye towne, having lost 
some linnen which she suspected Martha Lawrence the girl 
who then lived with Willmot Redd had taken up, desired 
the deponent to goe with her to Willmot Redds and de- 
manding the same, having many words about the same, Mrs. 
Syms told her that if she would not deliver them she would 
go to Salem to Major Hathorne and gitt special warrant for 
her servant girl. Upon which the said Redd told her in my 
hearing that she hoped she might never .... if she did 
not goe. And some short time after, the deponent observed 
that Mrs. Syms was taken with the distemper of the dry 
belly ake, and so continued many months during her stay 



3 



84 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

in the towne, and was not cured whilst she tarried in the 
country. 

" Sarah Dodd affirmed upon her oath to ye grand inquest 
that she heard Mrs. S'ynffe threaten to have WiUmot Redd 
before a magistrate for some of sd Redds mesdemeanors 
and sd Redd wisht Mrs. Syms might never any ways ease 
Nature before she did it. And soon after to this deponents 
knowledge, it fell out with Mrs. Syms according to said 
Redds wish. 

" Mr. Ambrose Gale affirmed that Mrs. Syms was about 
that time or soon after so afflicted as was then reported." 

The testimony of the other witnesses from Marblehead is 
not recorded. The poor woman was condemned, however, 
and sentenced to be hanged. She was executed at Gallows 
Hill, Salem, on the 22d of September. 

Let us not, with the light and intelligence of this nine- 
teenth century, judge our ancestors too harshly for their fa- 
naticism and ignorance. The belief in witchcraft at that 
time was almost universal throughout Europe, and was 
shared alike by the learned and the ignorant, the magistrates 
and the clergy, the nabob and the peasant. 

Let us remember and be thankful that the intelligence 
and reason of our ancestors finally conquered in the strugr 
gle, thereby crushing out the delusion, and giving a blow 
to superstition from which it never recovered. 



OF MAEBLEHEAD. 35 



CHAPTER IV. 

In the preceding chapter an evidence has been given of 
the superstition of the people of Esses County at the time 
of the ever memorable witchcraft delusion, but it would be 
almost impossible to relate half the superstitious traditions 
firmly believed by the inhabitants of Marblehead then, and 
for more than a century after. 

Stories of phantom ships seen at sea before the loss of a 
vessel ; of the appearance on the water of loved ones who 
had died at home ; footsteps and voices heard mysteriously 
in the still hours of the night coming as warnings from an- 
other world. Signs and omens which foretold the approach- 
ing death of some member of a family, or prophecies whis- 
pered by the wind that those away on the mighty deep 
would find a watery grave. 

These, and other stories of pirates met on the seas and 
smugglers who secreted their treasures along the shore, 
formed the burden of conversation through the long winter 
evenings. Of the many traditions of this nature, told with 
simple faith and sincere belief by our ancestors, few have 
come down to their descendants, and of these the story of 
the Screeching Woman is perhaps the most distinctly re- 
membered. 

It was said that during the latter part of the seventeenth 
century a Spanish ship laden with rich merchandise was 
captured by pirates and brought into the harbor of Marble- 
head. The crew and every person on board the ill-fated 
ship had been murdered at the time of the capture, except 
a beautiful English lady, whom the ruffians brought on 
shore near what is now called Oakum Bay, and there bar- 



36 THE HISTORY AND TKADITIOXS 

barously murdered her. The few fishermen who inhabited 
the place were absent, and the women and children who re- 
mained conld do nothing to prevent the crime. The screams 
of the victim were loud and dreadful, and her cries of " Lord 
save me! Mercy! Oh! Lord Jesus, save me!" were dis- 
tinctly heard. The body was buried where the crime was 
perpetrated, and for over one hundred and fifty years on the 
anniversary of that dreadful tragedy the screams of the 
poor woman were repeated in a voice so shrill and super- 
natural as to send an indescribable thrill of horror through 
all who heard them. 

There were other beliefs as firmly held, which, though 
equally as superstitious, were much more agreeable and ro- 
mantic. The young women, on the nights when a new moon 
was to appear, would congregate at one of the houses in the 
neighborhood, and putting a huge pot of tallow over the 
fire would drop " hob-nails " into the boiling fat, firmly be- 
lieving that the young man who should appear while tlie 
nails were dropping would be the future husband of the 
fair damsel who dropped them. At other times the young 
women would go to an upper window and, reaching half 
way out, throw a ball of yarn into the street, believing that 
the lucky youth who picked it up would surely come for- 
ward with an offer of marriage. 

Until the ordination of Mr. Cheever neai'ly all the mar- 
riages in town had been solemnized by Mr. Maverick, who 
had been appointed one of the magistrates, and was for 
many years the only justice of the peace in the place. Mr. 
Maverick was a selectman, town clerk, tything man, and a 
member of every important committee chosen by the town. 
Owning a considerable portion of the townshij), and being 
largely interested in the fishing trade, he was a man of 
great influence in the community, and his advice, when 
given, was followed with implicit confidence by the simple 
fishermen with whom he lived. 

The customs of the people at this time, and for many 
years after, were, some of them, of the most curious nature. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 37 

A marriage was the scene of the most joyous festivities, 
and the occasion of a season of merry-making for an entire 
week in duration. Everybody in the community who chose 
attended the wedding, and when, at a late hour in the night, 
the guests were ready to depart for their own homes, the 
bride and groom were put to bed by their maids and grooms- 
men, and the entire company marched around their bed, 
throwing old shoes and stockings, and various other missiles, 
at them, for good luck, and by way of a patting salute. 

As the town increased in importance and prosperity, the 
custom, so prevalent throughout New England, of present- 
ing the pall-bearers at funerals with gloves and gold finger- 
rings, became very fashionable among the wealthier families. 
These rings were often of a very curious and unique de- 
sign, and there are several of them held as heirlooms by 
some of the older inhabitants to-day. 

For some years previous to the year 1698 it appears that 
no school had been kept in Marblehead for any length of 
time exceeding a few brief months. In November of that 
year a school was opened by Mr. Josiah Cotton, who came 
to Marblehead at the urgent request of several of the in- 
fluential inhabitants. Mr. Cotton was a young man, not 
quite nineteen years of age, who had but a short time be- 
fore graduated from Harvard College. He was a grandson 
of the Rev. John Cotton, and a nephew of the celebrated 
Dr. Cotton Mather. The town agreed to pay him fifteen 
pounds a year for his services, and he received " six pence 
and a groate a week" from each of the scholars who at- 
tended the school. As the inhabitants generally sent their 
children to the school it soon increased to seventy-five 
scholars, and the income of the teacher was increased -to 
about fifty pounds per annum in silver money. 

During his stay in Marblehead Mr. Cotton lived for the 
greater part of the time in the family of the minister, Mr. 
Cheever, though for a short time he boarded in the families 
of Captain Edward Brattle and Captain John Browne. 



38 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

While here he studied theology, and preached his first ser- 
mon November 23, 1701. In 1704 Mr. Cotton took his 
final leave of Marblehead, and some years after wrote an 
account of his life while here, from which we are permitted 
to extract the following : — 

"When I came to this place I was raw and young, not 
19 years- old, and therefore it is not to be wondered at, ^ I 
gave way too much to that extravagance. Intemperance, 
Negligence in Religion, and Disorderliness, that is too rife 
in that place. I desire to thank God that it was no more, 
and to be humbled that it was so much, and to be thank- 
ful that after so much vanity God brought me to myself 
and did not suffer me -to be utterly ruined. In the latter 
end of 1703 I had thoughts of removing from Marblehead, 
supposing the place (being then under decay) not likely to 
afford me a settlement, and accordingly I left it about two 
months. In that time I went to Sandwich and Dartmouth, 
in the county of Bristol, to which I had been directed by 
the Boston ministers. I tarried and preached at Dartmouth 
but one Sabbath. 

" After my coming from thence I had several letters from 
my brother Gushing, and Samuel Penhallow, Esq., inviting 
me to keep school at Portsmouth, on the Piscataqua River, 
towards which I steered my course ; but calling at Marble- 
head, and they remaining still destitute of a school master, 
I agreed with them again (upon the advancement of my 
salary from the Town, under the former regulation for par- 
ticular scholars, for they would not make it a free school) 
and tarried half a year longer in ye school, and desire to 
acknowledge it as a favor that my service therein as well as 
before was acceptable aad successful. 

" The people there being generally if not universally in- 
clined to give their children common learning, tlio' schol- 
ars rise but thin amongst them. There was but one that 
went from thence whilst I kept school to the college, and 
that was the minister's son Mr. Amos Cheever, now minis- 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 39 

ter at Manchester. There was another designed, viz : John 
Browne son of Capt. Browne, but death put an end to the 
design. He died February 17, 1702-3, Some of the verses 
composed on that sorrowful occasion, are as follows : — 

' Death is a tribixte which by nature, we 
Are bouud to pay unto Mortality, 
A lovelj' plant cropt in his tender years. 
Lyes here, a subject not of prayers, but tears, 
A youth w'ho promis't much, but awful death 
Hath snatcht him from us and hath stopt his breath. 
And now he's gone you'll scarce his equal find. 
On 'all accounts few equals left behind.' 
• 

" I have heretofore thought of writing a particular char- 
acter and description of Marblehead, or rather history of 
my observations there, but upon the attempt, finding I 
could not do it without too much satyr and reflection (per- 
haps to some to whom I was obliged), I laid it aside and 
shall only say that the whole township is not much bigger 
than a large farm, and very rocky, and so they are forc't 
to get their living out of the sea, not having room to con- 
found the fisherman with the husbandman, and so spoil both 
as they do in some places. It has a very good Harbour 
which they improve to the best advantage for Fishing both 

Summer and Winter And finally it is one of the 

best country places to keep school in, provided a man be 
firmly fix't in principles of Virtue and religion, which I 
heartily wish were more abundant among them in the life 
and power of it. 

" -^^y gi'eatest intimacy whilst at Marblehead, was with 
the family of Col. Legg, whose Lady was a gentlewoman of 
great gravitj^ integrity and prudence, and with the families 
of Capt. John Browne, and Capt Edward Brattle, who mar- 
ried Col. Leggs two daughters. By which means I had 
some uncomfortable jarrs with Col. N. and his Lady, who 
held no great correspondence with other families. And I 
would from my own experience advise all men and especially 
young men, upon their first setting out in life, to avoid all 



40 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

meddling too far and to carry it with an equal hand- towards 
all." 

The town records of this period are very incomplete, and 
furnish little information concerning the customs or habits 
of life of the inhabitants. 

In April, 1709, the commoners leased all that great head 
of land on the northwest side of Charles Island in Little 
Harbor to Edward Dimond, " shoreman," for the sum of 
thirteen shillings yearly. This person was probably the 
famous " old Dimond " of whom such fabulous stories were 
told and believed. It was said that he was a wizard, and 
possessed the " black art " which enabled him to foretell 
coming events, to avert disasters from his friends, and bring 
distress upon his enemies. When the night was dark and 
stormy, and the wind gave evidence of blowing a gale, " old 
Dimond " would wend his way to the " burying hill," and 
there among the graves and tombstones " beat about," and 
give orders for the management of his vessels at sea. In a 
voice loud and clear, distinctly heard above the roar of the 
tempest, these orders would be given, and no one dared 
question their power to save from shipwreck. The advice of 
" old Dimond "" was sought by people far and near, who be- 
lieved in his great powers, but woe betide the evil-doer who 
came into his presence. Once when a guilty fellow who had 
stolen wood from a poor widow came to him for advice, the 
wizard " charmed " him, and caused him to walk all night 
with a heavy log of wood on his back. At another time, 
when a sum of money had been stolen from an aged couple, 
" old Dimond " told where it could be found, and gave the 
name of the thief. Let not the reader think that these 
stories illustrating the superstition of our ancestors are ex- 
aggerated in the least. They are told by aged people, liv- 
ing in Marblehead to-day, who remember with what faith 
and earnestness they were told by their mothers and grand- 
mothers. 

Of the same class are the stories told of the man who 



OF MAEBLEHEAD. 41 

« 

was chased one night by a corpse in a coffin, and shortly 
after sickened and died ; of the poor fellow who was 
chased by his Satanic majesty himself, seated in a carriage 
and drawn by four white horses ; and of the young fisher- 
man who arrived home in the night, and meeting the young 
woman to whom he was betrothed, gave her a few of the 
fish he had caught, only to see her fade away and vanish 
from his sight. The next morning the heart-broken lover 
learned that the girl he loved had died during his absence, 
and became convinced that he had seen an apparition. 
What the ghost did with the fish has never been satisfac- 
torily explained. 

Of the events of the intervening years between 1709 and 
1714 little can be ascertained.^ A few years previous an 
Episcopal church had been gathered, and a parish organ- 
ized, and during the year 1714 a church edifice was erected. 
The funds for the erection of the building were subscribed 
by thirty-three gentlemen who pledged themselves in various 
sums to the amount of £175. The list was headed by Col. 
Francis Nicholson, who subscribed ^625, and the remainder 
was made up by various captains of vessels in sums vary- 
ing from £2 to £12 each. The frame and all the mate- 
rials used in the construction of the building were brought 
from England. The first rector was the Rev. William 
Shaw, who arrived and took charge of the parish on the 
20th of July, 1715. 

In 1714, the Rev. Mr. Cheever having become very old 
and infirm, his church voted to settle a younger minister 
with him as an assistant. Accordingly, a meeting was held, 
and two candidates were presented for the choice of the 
church, one of whom was JNIr. John Barnard, of Boston, 
and the other Mr. Edward Holyoke. Mr. Barnard was 
chosen by a small majority and at a town meeting convened 
for the purpose the choice of the church was ratified by the 
town. This action on the part of the town was far from 
1 The Town Eecords between 1710 and 1721 have been lost or stolen. 



42 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

satisfactory to the adherents of Mr. Hofyoke, and occasioned 
a controversy which resulted in a division of the church, 
and the withdrawal of the disaffected members. The town 
voted to grant permission for the organization of another 
church, and the erection of a new meeting-house, and a 
charter was obtained from the General Court. The mem- 
bers of the first church sent an earnest and solemn protest 
to the Governor and the Legislature against the formation 
of a new church, declaring that as there was already one 
" Church and one Meeting-house in the place " the erection 
of a third place of worship would disturb the peace of the 
town. They also charged their brethren who desired to 
form the new church with the grave offense of going about 
the town and " defaming and vilifying the character of Mr. 
Barnard." On the 9th of November, 1715, Mr. Barnard 
entered upon his duties as the assistant pastor of the First 
Church, and on the 25th of the follo^ving April, 1716, the 
new meeting-house having been erected, the Second Con- 
gregational Church was organized, and Mr. Holyoke was or- 
dained as pastor. The ordination of Mr. Barnard took 
place on the '1 8th of July of the same year. 

The condition of the town at this time is described 
by Mr. Barnard in his autobiography as miserable in the 
extreme. He says : " When I first came [in 1714] there 
were two companies of poor, smoke-dried, rude, ill-clothed 
men, trained to no military discipline but that of ' Whip- 
ping the Snake,' as it was called. There was not so much 
as one proper carpenter, nor mason, nor tailor, nor butcher 
in the town, nor any market worth naming ; but they had 
their houses built by country Avorkmen, and their clothes 
made out of town, and supplied themselves with beef and 
pork from Boston, which drained the town of its money. 
And what above all I would remark, there was not so much 
as one foreign trading vessel belonging to the town, nor for 
several years after I came into it; though no town had 
really greater advantages in their hands. The people con- 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 43 

tented themselves to be the slaves that digged in the mines, 
and left the merchants of Boston, Salem, and Enrope, to 
carry away the gains ; by which means the town was always 
dismally poor in circumstances, involved in debt to the 
merchants more than they were worth ; nor could I find 
twenty families in it that, upon the best examination, could 
stand upon their own legs, and they were generally as rude, 
swearing, drunken, and fighting a crew as they were poor." 

Through the influence of Mr. Barnard the jDeople were 
finally induced to send their own fish to market, Mr. Joseph 
Swett being the first man to engage in the enterprise. He 
fitted out a small schooner which he sent to Barbadoes with 
a cargo of fish, and, being successful, was in a few years ena- 
bled to build vessels and send his fish to European markets. 
In a short time others, encouraged by his success, engaged in 
the business, and the town enjoyed an era of prosperity 
such as it had never known before. Good workmen of every 
description now abounded in the place, and from their more 
frequent intercourse with the outside world, the air of iso- 
lation which had so long characterized the inhabitants be- 
gan to wear off to a certain extent, and though their man- 
ners were somewhat rude, they became noted for their 
kindness and hospitality to strangers. 

Elsewhere in this work mention has been made of the 
peculiar dialect of the people of Marblehead. So broad 
and quick was their pronunciation, and so strange were the 
idioms characterizing their speech, that a native of the town 
was known wherever he went. Nor was this peculiarity 
confined to any class or condition of men residing in the 
town. All shared it alike, of whatever rank or condition in 
life. The words were clipped off very shortly, and in some 
sections there was a slight difference in the dialect noticea- 
ble. The " Cunny Lane " people always dropped the "h " 
in speaking, and their vernacular was much like that of a 
cockney Englishman, in addition to that which betrayed 
them " to the manner born." 



44 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

Hardly a family in the olden time escaped with a correct 
pronunciation of its name. The name of Crowninshield 
'became " Grounsel ; " Orne was transformed to "Home;" 
Trefry was variously pronounced, " Duvy," " Tewy," 
" Trevye," and " Trefroy ; " Quiner became " Coonier ; " 
Florence was clipped to "Flurry;" anfl Trasher was ab- 
breviateii to " Trash." 

So accustomed were many of the inhabitants to the cog- 
nomen by which they were known, that in some instances 
they did not recognize their own names when called by 
them. An instance of this kind is related in the " Life and 
Letters of Judge Story," who was a native of the town. 
" Once while he was trying a case in the Circuit Court, in 
Boston, the clerk called out the name of one of the jury 
as Michael Treffery .(it being so spelt). No answer was 
given. Again he was called, and still there was silence. 
' It is very strange,' said the clerk, ' I saw that man here 
not two minutes ago.' ' Where does he come from ? ' 
asked the judge. ' Marblehead, may it please your Honor,' 
said the clerk. ' If that 's the case,' said the judge, ' let 
me see the list.' The clerk handed it up to him. He 
looked at the name a minute, and handing back the list, 
said, ' Call Mike Trevye ' (throwing the accent on the last 
syllable). ' Mike Trev?/g,' called the clerk. ' Here,' an- 
swered a gruff voice. ' Why did you not answer be- 
fore ? ' said the clerk. ' Treffery is no way to pronounce 
my name,' said the juryman, ' My name is Mike Treves, 
as the Judge knows.' " 

Another anecdote to the same purpose is related in the 
work : " On one occasion when some of our fishermen were 
in court to settle a mutiny which had taken place on the 
Grand Banks (of Newfoundland), one, on being called upon 
to state what he knew, said, that the skipper and one of his 
shipmates had what he called a ' jor of ile.' The presid- 
ing judge in vain endeavored to get a more intelligible an- 
swer, and finally Judge Story was called upon, as usual, to 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 45 

act as interpreter to his townsman, whicli he did, telling 
the court, that a 'jor of ile,' in the Marblehead dialect, was 
' a jaw awhile,' which, being interpreted, meant that the 
two men abused each other grossly for some time." 

Though the dialect once so general among the people is 
now almost extinct, there are many words used occasionally 
to know the meaning of which would puzzle a stranger. 
Often, when any of the natives feel slightly cold or chilly 
they will say that they are " crimmy.'''' If they lose their 
way in the dark and become confused or bewildered, they 
will say that they were '•'' pixilated^ In speaking of the 
ceiling of a room many of the older people still call it the 
'■'■ plancliment.'''' When a lady, on examining a piece of sew- 
ing, finds that it is carelessly or improperly done, it is not 
unusual to hear her pronounce the work '•'• a froachr When 
food, has be^n improperly prepared, or is not suffi6iently 
cooked, it is spoken of as " cautchr 

When very angry for any reason, it is a common occur- 
rence to hear some one exclaim " Squael 'im up ! " " Squael 
something at him ! " or " He ought to be squaeled up ! " 
which, being interpreted, means " Throw something at 
him ! " " Stone him ! " or " He ought to be stoned ! " 

A crumb or a small piece of anything to eat is called a 
'"'' grummet,''^ and a sulky or ill-natured person is said to be 
'"'' grouty r 

There were other words and phrases commonly used by 
our ancestors, equally as curious as those above mentioned. 
These will suffice, however, as an evidence of a dialect now 
almost extinct, and which in a few years is doomed to share 
the fate of all obsolete words, and to live only in tradition 
or on the pages of history. 

The difficulties against which the sailors on board the 
merchant vessels of the colony were obliged to contend were 
for many years greatly augmented by pirates, who infested 
the waters on the coast of North America. In June, 1722, 
Philip Ashton, Jr., a young man belonging in Marblehead, 



46 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

was taken from the harbor of Port Roseway by the crew of 
Edward Low, a noted pirate. Confined on board the pirate 
ship, narrowly watched, and continually in fear that his 
life would be taken, Ashton was obliged to perform the most 
menial services. His sufferings from hardship and the 
cruelty of the crew at length became so unendurable that 
he resolved to make his escape, even at the risk of his life. 
For months no opportunity presented itself ; but in March, 
1723, the ship stopped at a small and desolate island off the 
West Indies to obtain fresh water. Here Ashton was sent 
on shore to assist in rolling the hogsheads to the watering 
place. Watching his opportunity, he at length succeeded 
in eluding the vigilance of his captors, and running to the 
woods concealed himself in the thick brush with which the 
island abounded. Supposing at first that he had gone to 
gather cocoa-nuts, the pirates made no search ^f or him, but 
finding that he did not return they made a diligent search, 
coming several times so near his place of concealment that 
he could distinctly hear their conversation. At length, get- 
ting out of patience, they decided to leave without him, and, 
to his great joy Ashton saw the ship sail away from the 
island. 

But though liberated from the pirates his hardships were 
not at an end. Alone on a desert island, with no shelter 
from the weather, and with very scanty means of subsistence, 
his sufferings at length became very intense. His feet be- 
came sore and blistered from exposure, and at length, to 
add to his misfortunes, he was nearly prostrated by sickness. 
While in this condition, he was attacked by a company of 
Spaniards who visited the island, and narrowly escaped with 
his life. 

Finally, in March, 1725, nearly three years after he fell 
into the hands of the pirates, he was taken from the island 
by Captain Dove of Salem, who had put in there for water. 
When released from his perilous situation the poor fellow 
had scarcely a rag of clothing left, and the kind-hearted 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 47 

sailors who rescued him were obliged to clothe him from 
their own scanty wardrobes. 

On his arrival in Mai'blehead Ashton was received as 
one from the dead. On the following Sunday the Rev. John 
Barnard preached a sermon concerning his miraculous es- 
cape, the text being : Daniel iii. 17, " If it be so our God 
whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery 
furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O King." 

At about the same time that Ashton was captured by the 
pirates, his cousin Nicholas Merritt met with a similar mis- 
fortune. After being with the banditti several months Mer- 
ritt found means to escape, though he did not return to 
Marblehead for more than a year after. 



48 THE HISTOEY AND TRADITIONS 



CHAPTER V. 

In 1724, the town having developed into a comparatively 
prosperous and enterprising community, various measures of 
public utility and improvement were adopted. The old 
meeting-house was enlarged by an addition twenty feet long 
built at the southeast end. Permission was granted to Na- 
than Bowen to open a public school, and it was voted to 
increase the salary of the school-master, and to adopt some 
"proper method of paying Mr. Cheever his salary." The 
town seems to have experienced great difficulty in obtaining 
school-teachers, and finally, at a town meeting held March 
4, 1727, it was voted to authorize the selectmen to hire a 
school-master at a salary of not more than eighty pounds 
for the first year. At the same meeting it was voted to 
build a town house, and the selectmen were chosen a com- 
mittee to " treat with some workmen in order for the build- 
ing said house and make return to ye next town meeting." 
It was also voted that " the Town House shall be built on 
ye land where the Gale and .Cagge^ now stands on." At a 
subsequent meeting, on the 17th of the following April, the 
town voted, in accordance with the report of the selectmen, 
to build " the Town House fifty feet long, thirty feet 
wide and twenty-three feet stud." The selectmen were 
chosen to superintend the erection of the building, and the 
following year, 1728, the work was completed. 

In October, 1727, a severe storm washed away and greatly 

damaged River Head Beach. The damage was so great that 

the town could not afford the expense of repairing it, and at 

a town meeting held shortly after it was voted to petition 

1 Jail and Cage. 




Abbot Hall. 




Old Town House. 



OF MAEBLEHEAD. 49 

the General Court, " praying the care of the Province 
therein." 

The first town meeting held in the town house after its 
completion, was probably held on the 17th of March, 1728, 
as that is the date of the first meeting called to meet there 
of which there is any record. 

During the month of May, 1730, intelligence was received 
in Marblehead that the small-pox was raging in the town of 
Boston. As rumors of the fatal effects of this dread and 
loathsome disease became more prevalent the excitement of 
the people approached almost to frenzy. A town meeting 
was called and it was voted to build a fence across the road 
near the entrance to the town. This fence was provided 
with a gate which was kept locked, and a guard of four men 
were stationed, with instructions to " restrain all strangers 
from Boston entering the town." The guard was kept on 
day and night for over two months, being relieved every 
twenty-four hours. Negroes, Indians, and mulatto slaves 
were forbidden to walk the streets after nine o'clock at 
night, and every possible precaution was taken to prevent 
the disease from making its appearance. But all in vain. 
In October a young woman named Hannah Waters was 
taken sick, and the disease, to the consternation of the in- 
habitants, proved to be the small-pox in its most contagious 
form. The pestilence, having obtained a foothold, spread 
from house to house in defiance of the almost superhuman 
efforts of the panic-stricken inhabitants, and ere long nearly 
every family was afflicted by sickness or death. Many of 
the people in their terror fled from the town. Business of 
all kinds was suspended, and quarantine was declared against 
Marblehead by all the neighboring towns. Nurses in at- 
tendance upon the sick were forbidden to appear in the 
streets, and " all dogs running at large " were ordered to 
be killed. The disease continued its fearful ravages till late 
in the summer of 1731, and gathered its victims with an 
unsparing hand. Rich and poor, old and young, the learned 

4 



60 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

and the unlettered were alike afflicted by this impartial 
agent of death, and finally only two members of the Board 
of Selectmen remained to discharge the duties of their office. 
A meeting was called by a Justice of the Peace, for the first 
time in the history of the town, and others were elected to 
fill the vacancies. The town was not declared free from the 
disease till nearly a year after its appearance. The number 
of deaths caused by the pestilence is not recorded, but it is 
certain that few towns in the country have ever been visited 
by a calamity more fatal or disastrous in its effect. 

The people had not recovered from the blighting effects 
of the terrible visitation to which they had been subjected 
when another burden was laid upon them. As soon as the 
fishing business began to resume its accustomed activity a 
law was passed by the legislature requiring a tax of six- 
pence per month from every fisherman in the province. The 
penalty for the non-payment of this tax was a fine of twenty 
pounds sterling. The passage of this act was regarded as a 
great hardship by the fishermen of Marblehead, who com- 
plained that they could barely obtain a livelihood, and could 
ill afford to pay the tax. Finally one 45 en j ami n Boden, a 
man more daring than his associates, determined to resist 
what he termed " the imposition," and flatly refused to com- 
ply with the requirements of the law. The collector, Wil- 
liam Fairchild, Esq., after vainly demanding the tax, brought 
a suit against the delinquent for the amount. This action 
on the part of the collector caused great excitement through- 
out the town, and finally a town meeting was called to con- 
sider the matter. At this meeting the tax was denounced 
as unjust and oppressive, and the town voted to pay the 
penalty and the costs of any suit or suits arising from a re- 
sistance to the six-penny act. 

On the 30th of May, 1737, the Rev. Edward Holyoke, 
pastor of the Second Congregationalist Church, was unani- 
mously chosen by the Board of Overseers of Harvard Col- 
lege to fill the office made vacant by the death of Presi- 



OF MAEBLEHEAD. 51 

dent Wadsworth. At first his people strenuously objected 
to his acceptance of the office, but after several meetings for 
prayer and conference had been held they gave their con- 
sent and Mr. Holyoke departed for Cambridge. At the last 
of these meetings prayer was offered by the Rev. John 
Barnard, who prayed long and earnestly that the people 
might be reconciled to part with their pastor. The prayer 
had the desired effect, and when some of the people were 
asked why they consented to part with so valuable a man 
and so excellent a j^astor, the quaint reply was : " Old Bar- 
nard prayed him away." ^ 

In April, 1742, the General Court granted the sura of five 
hundred and fifty pounds for tbe purpose of erecting a for- 
tification for the defense of the harbor against the French 
cruisers. This action, though in accoixlance with a petition 
from the town presented a few years before, was the cause 
of a great deal of contention, and not a little ill feeling, 
among the inhabitants. Three gentlemen were chosen 
treasurers of the fund, and a committee of five were elected 
to call upon the captain-general and receive the money, 
with instructions to pay it over to the treasurers. The 
most careful preparations were made for the security of the 
money when it should be received. An iron-bound chest 
was provided, fastened with two locks, and the town voted 
that it should not be opened except in the presence of all 
three of the treasurers. A few days after the passage of 
this vote, two of the treasurers announced their refusal to 
serve, and Messrs. Thomas Gerry, and Nathan Bowen were 
chosen to fill the vacancies, the other gentleman being Capt. 
Joseph Swett. The committee chosen to receive the money 
did not pay it over to the treasurers as soon as was thought 
proper, and finally, at a meeting held in November, the 
treasurers were authorized to sue them in the name of the 
town. This vote does not appear to have been carried into 
effect, however, and at a meeting held in January, 1743, the 
1 Massachusetts Historical Collection, vol. t. 



62 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

selectmen were authorized to call upon the committee and 
demand a report of what had been done with the money. 
It is probable that the committee held the money in their 
hands upon some legal technicality, for at another meeting 
the town treasurer is authorized to receive it, and no more is 
said of the matter in the records. Another grant of one 
hundred and sixty-six pounds had been made by the Gen- 
eral Court in November, and the fort was probably com- 
pleted during the latter part of the year 1742. This fort, 
which is still standing, was afterwards ceded to the United 
States, and for many years has been known as Fort Sewall, 
having been named in honor of Chief Justice Samuel 
Sewall, a distinguished citizen of Marblehead. 

At the time of which we write Marblehead boasted a 
public house or tavern known as the " Fountain Inn." To 
this house the captains of vessels and the gentry of the col- 
ony resorted when they visited the town, and there the 
fishermen, many of them, spent their evenings and their 
money when they returned from successful voyages. It was 
whispered that certain pirates and smugglers who were 
known to have visited the town had found a friendly shel- 
ter beneath its roof. These stories may or may not have 
been true, but there were those living who remembered 
when a gang of pirates had been apprehended and arrested 
in the streets of Marblehead.^ They remembered, also, with 
what a lavish hand these pirates expended their money, and 
the excitement caused in the town when several of tlie in- 
habitants were arrested for receiving it. The Fountain 
Inn, however, was to be made famous by a moi'e romantic 
tale than any yet related by the gossiping girls and women 
of the village. One day in the autu.mn of 1742 a coach 
and four drove up to the door of the Inn, and a young 
and handsome gentleman alighted and entered. The guest 
was Sir Harry Frankland, then collector of the Fort of 
Boston, who had come to Marblehead to superintend the 
1 Quelch, the pirate, is said to have been arrested here, in 1704. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 53 

building of the fort, which was then in process of erection. 
As he entered the house he was struck by the surpassing 
beauty of a young girl, apparently about sixteen years of 
age, who on her bended knees was scrubbing the stairs. No- 
ticing that her dress was poor and scanty, and that her feet 
were destitute of shoes and stockings, he called her to his 
side and presenting her with money, told her to purchase 
a pair of shoes. The artless simplicity, the beauty, and 
the exceedingly musical voice of the young girl interested 
Frankland, and he at once made inquiries concerning her 
history. Her name, he learned, was Agnes Surriage, and 
that she was the daughter of Edward Surriage, a poor but 
honest fisherman. 

A short time after, when Frankland again visited the 
town, he was surprised to find the little maid still working 
without shoes and stockings, and to his inquiry why she had 
not purchased them she replied : " I have indeed, sir, with 
the crown you gave me ; but I keep them to wear to meet- 
ing." ^ Sir Harry's heart was touched. Taking the blush- 
ing girl by the hand, he said : " Would you like to go to 
school ? Will you go with me if I will take you from this 
life of toil and drudgery ? I will educate you, and you 
shall be a lady." Then, seeking her parents, he obtained 
their permission to remove her to Boston, where she was 
permitted to enjoy the best educational advantages which 
the place then afforded. For several years she pursued her 
studies at school, and acquired a knowledge of all the graces 
and apcomplishments then thought necessary for a well-bred 
and fashionable lady. The beauty of Sir Harry Frankland's 
ward was for some time the theme of conversation in the 
aristocratic circles of Boston. A few years and their rela- 
tionship was discussed in a far different manner. Charges 
of improper intimacy were freely made, and with Puritanic 
firmness the polite society of the town refused to recognize 
one whom they believed to be guilty of transgressing the 

1 Life of Sir Charles Henry Frankland, by Elias Nason, M. A. 



54 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

most holy laws of God and man. Poor Agnes. Her bene- 
factor Lad, indeed, succeeded in gaining her affections, but 
the pride of race and position prevented him from wedding 
one whom he considered of ignoble birth. The indignation 
of the people against " an alliance unsanctioned by the holy 
rite of matrimony " at length became so great that " the 
young collector resolved to seek a residence for himself, 
Agnes, and his retainers, in the seclusion of the country." 

Accordingly he purchased a tract of land in the village 
of Hopkinton, where, on a hill commanding a full view of 
the surrounding country, he erected a commodious manor 
house. The grounds were laid out in a beautiful and artis- 
tic manner. Trees and shrubs, and choice plants of almost 
every description were set out to adorn the estate, which 
soon became one of the finest country seats in the province. 

For several years Frankland and Agnes Surriage resided 
at Hopkinton, surrounded with every comfort which wealth 
could command, and devoting themselves wholly to the pleas- 
ures of a life of ease. The labor of the plantation was per- 
formed by slaves, upon whom the entire care of the vast 
estate devolved, while their master was hunting, riding, or 
fishing with his lady. 

During the year 1754 Frankland was unexpectedly called 
to England to transact business of importance, and em- 
barked with Agnes Surriage for London. On his arrival he 
attempted to introduce his fair ward into the circle of his 
family, but in spite of his most earnest solicitations in her 
behalf she was treated with the utmost disdain. 

Having settled the business upon which he had been 
called to London, the young baronet spent a few months in 
making a tour of Europe, and then, with his ward, proceeded 
to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, where he hired a house 
and entered at once into the gay round of fashionable life. 
It was during their residence at Lisbon that the great earth- 
quake of November, 1755, occurred, which brought Frank- 
land to a realization of the wicked and dissolute life he was 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 55 

leading, and caused him to do all in his power to right the 
wrongs he had done poor Agnes Surriage. The day was 
All-saints-day, one of the greatest festivals of the Romish 
and Anglican churches, and almost the entire population of 
the great city had assembled in the churches, when the 
shock of the earthquake burst upon them, burying thou- 
sands in the ruins of the falling temples. Frankland was 
riding with a lady to attend the services at one of the 
churches, when the walls of a building tottered, and fell 
over them, enveloping horses, carriage, and its occupants 
in the ruins. The death agony of the unfortunate lady was 
so great that she bit entirely through the sleeve of the scar- 
let coat of her companion, and tore a piece of flesh from his 
arm. The horses were instantly killed, and only Frankland 
was spared alive. Buried beneath the ruins he made a sol- 
emn vow that if it pleased God to deliver him from death 
he would thenceforth lead a better life. Meanwhile, where 
was Agnes Surriage ? Left alone in the house of her lover, 
she ran into the street upon the first intimation of the im- 
pending danger, and so, miraculously, her life had been 
spared. Wandering almost frantic with grief among the 
ruins, the sounds of a well-known voice arrested her atten- 
tion, and recognizing it as Frankland's, she worked with al- 
most superhuman strength to secure his release. In the 
course of an hour her efforts were successful, and the baro- 
net was rescued from the horrors of a living tomb. He was 
carried to a house near by, his wounds were dressed, and 
then, faithful to his vow, a priest was sent for, and Agnes 
Surriage received the reward of her love and self-sacrificing 
devotion, and became the Lady Agnes Frankland. 

"No more her faithful heart shall bear 
These griefs so meekly borue, — 
The passing sneer, th.e freezing stare. 
The icy look of scorn." 

Sir Harry and his wife set out for England shortly after 
their marriage, and then, to make the solemn rite doubly 



56 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

sure, tbey were again married on board the boat during tbeir 
passage, by a clergyman of the Church of England, On 
their arrival in London the Lady Agnes was received with 
every mark of esteem by the family of her husband, and 
her beauty and charming manners readily gained her access 
to the most cultivated and aristocratic circles of the city. 
After a brief residence in London and Lisbon, Sir Harry 
and Lady Frankland returned to Boston, where they j)ur- 
chased an elegant mansion in the most aristocratic portion 
of the town for a winter residence, spending their summers 
on the beautiful estate at Hopkinton. " Though Lady 
Frankland had thus risen from obscurity to this command- 
ing social position, she did not allow herself to forget her 
humble origin, or cease to cherish a sister's kind regard for 
the other members of her family. She received and sup- 
ported Sarah and John M'Clester, her sister INIar^^'s chil- 
dren ; and her brother, Isaac Surriage, seaman, alwajs found 
a hearty welcome to her hospitable mansion." ^ A few years 
before, through her influence, Sir Harry had purchased a 
claim to a tract of land in Maine, held by INIrs. Surriage, 
who was then a widow, for which he paid her several hun- 
dred pounds, thus enabling her to live comfortably during 
the remainder of her days. 

Frankland was appointed Consul-general of Portugal in 
1757, and in that capacity resided at Lisbon for several 
years. Li 1763 he, with Lady Frankland, returned to 
America, and resided at Hopkinton until his declining 
health caused them to leave the country and take up a 
residence at Bath, England, where he died in 1768, at the 
age of fifty-two years. After the death of her husband 
Lady Agnes returned to her estate at Hopkinton, where she 
continued to reside, respected and beloved by all who knew 
her, till the summer of 1775, when the breaking out of the 
Revolution caused her to return to England. As her car- 
riage was on the way to Boston it was stopped by a com- 

1 Nason's Life of Frankland, 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 57 

pany of Continental soldiers, under command of Abner 
Croft, a zealous patriot, and Lady Frankland and her goods 
were held in custody until released by order of the Com- 
mittee of Safety. Defended by a guard of soldiers her car- 
riage was finally permitted to enter Boston, and while there 
she witnessed from the windows of her residence the ter- 
rible conflict at Bunker Hill. Shortly after she sailed for 
England, and after residing in the Frankland family for 
several years " was married to John Drew, Esq., a wealthy 
banker of Chichester." She died April 23, 1783, at the age 
of fifty-seven years. The estate at Hopkinton was be- 
queathed at her death to her sister, Mrs. Swain, and finally 
passed into the hands of her brother, Isaac Surriage, the 
last member of her family who owned it. ^.-' 

Such is the story of Agnes Surriage, the daughter of a 
poor fisherman of Marblehead. Our readers will pardon 
the digression necessary to relate it, and, with their permis- 
sion, Ave will now return to the events of the year 1742. 

The controversies which agitated the colony during the 
administration of Governor Belcher, regarding a fixed sal- 
ary for the governor, and the right of the province to issue 
bills of credit, seem to have produced no excitement in Mar- 
blehead. Though the inhabitants were, doubtless, deeply 
interested in the result of the controversy, they do not ap- 
pear to have espoused the cause of either party very ar- 
dently, and the town was free from the tumults which then, 
and a few years later, tbreateiled to disturb the peace of the 
colony. 

During the year 1743 the religious movement known as 
the " great awakening " swept like a whirlwind through 
every town in the province. Jonathan Edwards had, 
through his preaching, aroused the minds of the people on 
religious subjects, and when, a short time after, the cele- 
brated Whitefield made his appearance on the scene, he was 
welcomed with enthusiasm everywhere. Through his elo- 
quence and psychological power as an agitator, hundreds 



58 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

were brought into the churches, and the result was a con- 
troversy which long agitated the colony. The Calvinists 
welcomed and encouraged the enthusiast wherever he went, 
and the Arminians were correspondingly as strong and bit- 
ter in their opposition to his teachings and practices. In 
1744 he visited Marblehead, and here, as elsewhere, his la- 
bors resulted in producing the most violent and intense ex- 
citement. The Rev. Mr. Malcom, rector of St. Michael's 
Church, engaged in an exciting discussion with him relative 
to some of his teachings, and the cause of Whitefield was 
warmly espoused by the pastors of the Congregational 
churches. 

The controversy incident to the advent of Whitefield had 
not ceased when the difficulties which had long been threat- 
ening with France developed into a declaration of war. An 
English garrison on the border between the French and 
English colonies had been attacked, and four companies of 

CD 

sixty men each were raised in jNIassachusetts and sent to 
Nova Scotia, for the protection of Annapolis. An expedi- 
tion was planned for the conquest of Louisburg, an impor- 
tant French stronghold, and the plans were rejected by the 
legislature. Upon the petition of the merchants of Bos- 
ton and Salem, and the fishermen of Marblehead, the vote 
was reconsidered, and the plans were adopted by a majority 
of a single vote. The expedition, consisting of three thou- 
sand men and several frigates and gun-boats, was at length 
fitted out, and the command was given to Sir William Pep- 
perell. Though there is, unfortunately, no record of the 
part taken by the men of Marblehead in this expedition, 
there can be little doubt that many of the sailors who 
manned the gun-boats were fishermen from this port. The 
town records bear testimony to the interest manifested by 
the inhabitants in the result of the contest. The fort was 
put in readiness to repel an attack at any moment. Breast- 
works were erected along the coves and beaches of the town. 
Parapets to " cover our men " 'and to " oppose and annoy 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 69 

the enemy should they attempt to kind " were constructed 
at every vuhierable point. For days the men were sum- 
moned at the beat of the drum early in the morning to 
assist in erecting these fortifications, and it was determined 
to give the enemy a deadly reception. 

But for once the heroic fishermen did not have a chance 
to display their bravery. Their warlike preparations were 
hardly completed before the news was received of the suc- 
cess of the expedition, and the surrender of Louisburg. 
This ended the war, and the people of Marblehead returned 
to their usual and more peaceful avocations. 

In May, 1747, a school for poor children was established 
through the generosity of Mr. Robert Hooper, Jr., who 
agreed to pay the necessary expenses and the salary of the 
teacher, if the town would fit up and furnish a school-house. 
The proposal was accepted and the selectmen were in- 
structed to " fit up the school-house and grant a lease " of 
it for the purpose. 

During the same year several of the inhabitants peti- 
tioned for a town meeting to take action in regard to the 
" old school-house," which was represented as being " much 
out of repair, and at present unfit for public use." The pe- 
tition, which is signed by Nathan Bowen, Samuel Graves, 
Robert Harris, John Stacey, and other well-known citizens, 
gives the following additional reason why the dilapidated 
building should be closed. " And forasmuch as John Pick- 
ett and Ann his wife have Illegally entered into said House, 
and by means of their being frequently in drink and making 
large fires in said House where there is no proper hearth, the 
sd house (and the contiguous neighbourhood) are in contin- 
ual danger of being consumed." The meeting was called 
according to the request of the petitioners, and it was voted 
" to remove the persons and goods " of the offenders and to 
nail up the school-house in order to guard against further 
depredations of a similar nature. 

The town at this time is estimated to have contained 



60 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

about four hundred and fifty houses. The fishery had in- 
creased to such an extent that over eighty schooners sailed 
from the harbor, and six hundred men and boys were em- 
ployed in the industry. This comprised, probably, nearly 
the entire male population of the town. When a boy had 
attained the age of eleven or twelve years he was sent to sea, 
and there were many instances where children of not more 
than nine years of age were taken to " the banks," to assist 
in the support of a large family. During the first four 
years of a boy's life at sea he was termed -a " cut-tail," 
from the fact that he received pay only for the fish actually 
caught by himself, and was obliged to cut a small piece 
from the tail of every fish he caught to distinguish them 
from the others when the fare was weighed and sold. A 
full crew consisted of eight persons, four of whom were 
"sharesmen," the others being boys in the various stages 
of apprenticeship. When, after an experience of four years, 
a boy was considered competent to catch a full share of fish, 
he was promoted to the important post of "header," and 
was admitted to the rights and privileges of a " sharesman." 
As he became quahfied he could then assume the duties of 
" splitter " or " Salter " if he chose ; but it was necessary 
for him to pass through all the various grades of labor in 
order to obtain a thorough knowledge of the business before 
he could be permitted to take command of a vessel, and be- 
come a "skipper.'' 

The fishermen lived on equal terms on board their vessels. 
Every man was personally interested in the result of the 
voyage, and all worked with untiring energy for a success- 
ful "trip" and as large a "fare" as possible. Dory and 
trawl fishing were then unknown. The fishing was done en- 
tirely from the vessels, and every man had his appointed 
station and was expected to occupy it when at the lines dur- 
ing the entire trip. 

The boats usually went to the " banks " twice a year, in 
the spring and in the fall, and remained from three to five 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 61 

months, or until a full fare was obtained. On their return 
the salt was washed from the fish, and they were then cured, 
as at present, on flakes in the open air. 

The year 1751 marks an important era in the annals of 
Marblehead. During that year, the fire department was 
organized. As the townsliip was composed almost entirely 
of wooden buildings, the necessity of procuring a fire engine 
was considered of the utmost importance, and in November, 
1750, a vote was passed authorizing the selectmen. to pur- 
chase an " engine, of the third size, with the necessary pipes 
and a dozen of leather buckets." This vote does not appear 
to have been carried into effect, however, nor was there any 
necessity for so doing. Robert Hooper, Esq,, a wealthy and 
generous merchant, anticipating the needs of the community 
in which he resided, ordered an engine at his own expense, 
and on its arrival, during the month of March in the fol- 
lowing year, presented it to the town. The simple record 
of the fact as entered on the books of the town speaks vol- 
umes for the unostentatious manner of its presentation, and 
the gratitude with which it was received. " JNIarch 19, 1751, 
voted the thanks of the town to Robert Hooper, Esq., for 
his donation of a Fire Engine this day made to the town." 

At the same meeting the fire department was organized 
by the election of a " Board of Firewards " as follows : 
" Voted : That Capt, Nathan Bowen, Capt. George New- 
marsh, Robert Hooper, Esq., Capt. Richard Reed, and Mr. 
Jeremiah Lee, be Firewards for the year ensuing." The 
firewards were authorized to appoint a suitable company for 
the engine, or any other engine which should belong to the 
to'wn, " and to covenant with these appointed to work and 
govern them that they shall be exempt from military duty 
and from serving as fence viewers, hog-reeves or tythiug 
men so long as they shall serve in said company." 

There appears to be no record of the names of those as- 
signed to the engine, but a few years later (1755) the fire- 
wards appointed Robert Harris, captain of the " Great Fire 



62 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

Engine " with the following company : Will Bowden, John 
Bowden, Henry Trevett, John Pearce, Richard Wood, Wil- 
liam Bassett, John Andrews, Robert Plarris, John Neal, 
Joseph Bubier, Benjamin Darling, 3d, Benjamin Doe, 1st. 

The engine presented by Mr. Hooper was undoubtedly 
the " Friend," which was located on Front Street near Good- 
win's Court. The next engine, which was purchased for 
the town in London, was probably the one named the " En- 
deavor." It was located for many years near " Newtown 
Bridge," on the corner of Washington and School Streets. 

During the year 1752 the small-pox again broke out in 
Boston, and the usual precautions were adopted to prevent 
the disease from making its appearance in ]\Iarblehead. A 
fence and guard were placed at the entrance to the town, 
strangers were forbidden to enter, and it was voted to send 
no " Representative to the General Court that year." In 
spite of every precaution, including a general inoculation 
of the inhabitants, the disease again made its appearance 
and raged for several months with great severity, though 
not with the fatal effect of the pestilence of 1730. 

The practice of many of the fishermen who spent their 
time in the winter in a reckless round of dissipation, gam- 
bling, and drunkenness met with a decided rebuke at the 
annual March meeting of this year. Gathering at the street 
corners or in crowds about the wharves, it had long been 
their custom to " pitch pennies," a mode of gambling quite 
prevalent in nearly every seaport in the colony at the time. 
It was charged that by this practice " idleness and vice were 
encouraged to the great reproach and damage of the town," 
and a by-law was adopted that for every offense of this na- 
ture committed by any persons of the age of fourteen years 
and upwards, a fine of ten shillings should be imposed. In 
cases where the offenders were children or servants it was 
decided that their parents or masters should be held respon- 
sible. 

For a time the enforcement of this wholesome regulation 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 63 

put a decided check upon the practice, but the quick-witted 
sailors readily found means to evade the law and indulge in 
their favorite pastime, and the evil continued for many- 
years, in defiance of every effort of the authorities to prevent 
it. 

The bill imposing an excise duty on spirituous liquors, 
wines, lemons, oranges, etc., which became a law by act of 
the General Court in 1754, was strenuously opposed by the 
inhabitants of ]\Iarblehead. The town had now become one 
of the most important ports of entry in the province. The 
foreign trade was yearly assuming proportions which gave 
the most encouraging signs of a prosperous future. The 
wealth of the merchants was increasing rapidly, and the 
people were reaping a rich reward from their industry. The 
wharves teemed with shipping, and the merchant vessels of 
Marblehead were to be found in almost every port of im- 
portance in EurojDe. 

Under these circumstances the granting of an excise to 
the king was considered as especially burdensome to the 
people of Marblehead, and several town meetings were held 
to consider the matter, and to protest against the passage of 
the act. The representative in the General Court was in- 
structed " to use all proper means to prevent "' it from be- 
coming a law, and finally, at a town meeting held in Janu- 
ary, 1755, six of the most prominent merchants were chosen 
a committee " to petition His Majesty to disallow the act." 
The members of this committee were Robert Hooper, Esq., 
Mr. Ebenezer Stacey, Col. Jacob Fowle, Col. Jeremiah 
Lee, and Capt. Isaac Freeman, who were authorized to em- 
ploy an eminent London lawyer to act as the agent of the 
town, and petition the king in its behalf. 

In 1755 the war known as the " French and Indian War " 
broke out between the French and English over the terri- 
tory now comprised in the State of Ohio. As soon as hos- 
tilities were actually known to have commenced the town 
began to take measures for its defense. " A Powder House 



64 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

or Magazine suitable for securiDg ammunition " was erected 
by vote of the town, Col. Jacob Fowle, Col. Jeremiah Lee, 
and Major Richard Reed being members of the building 
committee.^ The depredations of the French on the sea 
against the commerce and fisheries of the English colonies 
during the following year were severely felt in Marblehead. 
Several vessels with their crews belonging here were cap- 
tured while on the fishing banks, causing great distress 
among their families, and great excitement in the town. The 
exposed condition of the harbor caused serious apprehen- 
sions of an attack from the enemy when the people were 
least prepared to mee,t it, and it was finally voted to present 
a petition to the lieutenant-governor, praying for the pro- 
tection of the province. The petition j)rayed also for the 
protection of the fishing interest, and stated that " In time 
of war the fishery is prosecuted with much greater difficulty 
and risk than any other branch of business, as will appear 
by the late capture of many of our vessels by the French, 
while on the fishing banks. 

" That : By the small extent of our town (the whole ex- 
tent being little more than two miles square ■ and that rocky 
and barren,) the inhabitants can have no prospect of ex- 
changing this for a more profitable!) employment, in time to 
come." 

The petition concluded as follows' : " Tho' our Harbour is 
well situate and commodious for Nah^igation and fishery yet 
the same is by nature open and easy of access, whereby the 
vessels of His Majesty's Subjects with their effects and es- 
tates lying in said Town and Harbour, are exposed to the 
ravages of the Meanest Invader, whom we are in no condi- 
tion to oppose. Wherfore we the sd inhabitants ]\Iost 
Humbly pray that your Hon"" will be pleased to take the 
premeses under your wise Consideration, and act thereon as 
to your Honor shall seem meet." 

The disadvantages to which the commercial and fishing 

1 Tin's Powder House is still staudinc: on Green Street. 



OF 5IARBLEHEAD. 65 

interests of the colonies were subjected cannot be better il- 
lustrated than in the instances of seizures by the French of 
merchant and fishing vessels belonging in Marblehead. 

In December, 1756, the schooner Swallow, owned by Rob- 
ert Hooper, Esq., and commanded by Capt. Philip Lewis, 
sailed from Marblehead to .the West Indies. On the loth 
of the month, having been but but a few days, the schooner 
was captured by two French cruisers, and carried into Mar- 
tinico. The crew were imprisoned, and the officers, Cap- 
tain Lewis, Mr. Ashley Bowen, and Mr. George Crownin- 
shield, the first and second mates, were confined in a public 
house and closely guarded. Watching their opportunity, 
they finally succeeded in eluding the vigilance of the guard, 
and escaped from the house. Seizing a small schooner 
which lay in the harbor, they sailed away under cover of 
night, and at length reached St. Eustatia, where they found 
friends and were kindly treated. Among others who were 
there was Mr. James Freeman, of Marblehead, who had 
purchased a sloop, and was looking for some competent 
person to take command and go to Marblehead in her with 
a cargo of molasses. As Captain Lewis did not wish to 
undertake the voyage, Mr. Bowen was appointed, and 
the vessel reached Marblehead in safet3^ The unfortunate 
crew of the Swallow, who were imprisoned at Martinico, 
were detained as prisoners until the close of the war, 
Theytwere then released, and were obliged to work their 
way home on board vessels bound for the various ports in 
the colony. 

Early in the month of April, 1759, messengers were sent 
to Marblehead to obtain recruits for the naval service. Act- 
ive preparations were then in progress for the siege of Que- 
bec, and the town's proportion of men needed for this serv- 
ice was forty-five able seamen. Mr. Ashley Bowen en- 
listed as a midshipman, and in a short time thirty-two 
others enlisted as common sailors. Each man received a 
bounty, and a certificate, signed by the governor, promising 
5 



66 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

that they should not be detained in the service longer than 
the time for which they enlisted ; that they should be free 
from impressment, and be landed in Boston after their dis- 
charge. On the 12th of April they sailed from Marble- 
head for Halifax, where they arrived on the 16th, and the 
next day were assigned to their respective ships. Sixteen 
were placed on board the ship Pembroke, a frigate of sixty 
guns, under command of Captain Wheelock, and the others 
were assigned to the ship Squirrel. These ships, in com- 
pany with a fleet under command of Rear Admiral Dur- 
rell, sailed for the St. Lawrence, and arrived before Quebec 
with the expedition commanded by General Wolfe during 
the latter part of June. 

On the night of June 28th a raft of fire barges was sent 
down from Quebec for the purpose, if possible, of destroy- 
ing the fleet. The raft was grappled by the sailors before 
it approached near enough to do any damage, and was 
towed near the shore and anchored, the sailors continually 
repeating, " All 's well ! " 

From a remark in " Knox's Journal " concerning the 
affair, we are led to believe that some of the men detailed 
for this work were from Marblehead. " A remarkable ex- 
pression from some of these intrepid souls to their comrades 
on this occasion I must not omit, from its singular uncouth- 
ness, ' Damn me, Jack, didst thee ever take hell in tow 
before ? ' " 

For two months the army of General Wolfe was encamped 
upon the eastern bank of the Montmorenci, where strong 
intrenchments were thrown up, from which an almost in- 
cessant fire of guns and mortars was poured upon the city 
and the lines of the enemy. The fleet lay at anchor within 
full sight of the fortress, though out of the range of its guns, 
and arrangements for the siege were rapidly completed. On 
the 13th of September, in the darkness of the early morn- 
ing, the boats of the fleet moved down the river, and when 
the sun rose the astonished French commander beheld the 



, OF MARBLEHEAD. 67 

army of Wolfe upon the Plains of Abraham. Without a 
moment's hesitation Montcalm began preparations for the 
battle. At sunset the contest was over, Quebec was in pos- 
session of the English, and the gallant commanders of both 
armies were mortally wounded. 

This victory was hailed with rejoicings throughout the 
colonies and in England, and the war was considered as vir- 
tually ended. It was a sad day for France, and was but the 
beginning of the end. With the fall of Quebec, Canada was 
lost to her forever, and with it the last hope of further pos- 
sessions in America. 

On the 20th of September the men of Marblehead were 
discharged from the service, and with others, to the number 
of one hundred and sixty, were put on board the ship Thorn- 
ton, and transported to Boston. The entire company were 
placed under the care of INIidshipman Ashley Bowen, of Mar- 
blehead. On the passage homeward many of the men were 
sick, and thirty-five of them died. Mr. Bowen was exposed 
to great difficulty and danger, as nearly the entire care of 
the sick devolved upon him, and he was obliged to person- 
ally superintend the burial of the dead. The Thornton 
sailed from Quebec on the 8th of October, and arrived in 
Boston November 9. 

The following are the names of the Marblehead men en- 
gaged in the siege of Quebec, as copied from the manu- 
script journal of Mr. Bowen : — 

ON BOAED THE PEMBROKE. 

Ashley Bowen, midshipman, Robert Thompson, died, 

William Horn (?), (Orne), Thomas Woodfin, 

Edward Akes, Miles Dollan, 

Jonathan Welch, deserted, Edward Kindeley, 

Robert Bartlett, Benjamin Nichols, 

Garret Farrell, Arthnr Lloyd, 

John Batsman, Edward Saverin, 

Isaac Warren, died, Zachary Paine, 

Frederick Swaburgs. 



68 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

ON BOARD THE SQUIRREL. 

John Melzard, Roper Linsteed, did not return, 
Thomas Dove, "William Corkeriug, did not re- 
William Matthews, turn, 
John Stateman, Chai'les Jacobs, 
John Goldsmith, died, William Uncals, 
Thomas Walpey (Valpey), Walter Stevers, did not return, 
Samuel Look, did not return, Samuel Linir, died, 
Francis Misalt, died, Thomas Peach, died. 

On tLe 2d of January, 1761, the schooner Prince of 
Orange, Nathan Bowen, master, sailed from Marblehead for 
some port in Spain or Portugal. While on the passage, 
February 10th, she was overtaken and captured by the 
French brig Gentile, of Bayonne. Mr. Bowen, in an ac- 
count of the affair, written while in prison, says, " I was 
robbed of chest and clothes, and was in other respects ill- 
used. On Tuesday, 17th, we arrived at St. Andreas ; on 
Monday, 23d, sailed from thence in company with my 
schooner bound for Passage, and on the next day arrived 
there. The next morning we were all sent to France, and 
on the next day were twenty in number confined in this 
castle, and when we shall get clear God only knows." The 
prison was Bayonne Castle, France. The only men of the 
crew whose names can be ascertained were, Samuel Lovis, 
William Hannover, Joseph Lye, Thomas Trefry, Amos 
Grandy, and Edward Hallowell. 

In June, 1762, the schooner Rambler, owned by Mr. 
Gamalial Smethurst, Ashley Bowen, master, sailed from 
Marblehead for Quebec. While on the passage the vessel 
was boarded by a company of armed Frenchmen and In- 
dians, who attempted to seize her. An English brig for- 
tunately hove in sight before they accomplished their pur- 
pose, however, and they hastily left for the shore. The 
vessel was not molested again during the voyage, and at 
length reached her destination in safety. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 69 

It is a matter of sincere regret that no more can be 
learned concerning this war, of a local nature. But that 
the town of Marblehead suffered as much from its effects as 
any other town in the province, and that its people behaved 
with a heroism and bravery which shed lustre upon their 
annals, is sufficient for us to know. 

Peace was declared in 1763, and though England rejoiced 
over the increase of her possessions in consequence of the 
war the colonists had been trained and disciplined in the 
very arts by which they were finally to achieve their inde- 
pendence. 

Meanwhile, during the progress of the war, the inhabi- 
tants of the town at home had not been idle. At the annual 
town meeting, held in March, 1761, it was voted, on account 
of the increasing " poor idle, vagrant and disorderly per- 
sons," to erect a work-house on the back side of the piece 
of ground called " the negro burying place." The sum of 
five hundred pounds was appropriated to build it, and the 
selectmen were instructed to petition the legislature for 
permission to use a part of the new building as a house of 
correction. The building was erected on what is now 
known as Back Street, opposite the head of Pearl Street. 

The following year the selectmen were instructed to name 
all the streets and alley-ways in the town, and to cause 
the names to be recorded in the records and published at 
the Town House. Previous to this, the streets had been 
known by the most curious names, some of them not suit- 
able for ears polite. In many instances some prominent 
landmark gave the name to the street on which it stood, or 
which led to it. New Meeting-house Lane, Wharf Lane, 
Pond Lane, Frog Lane, Ferry Lane, and others of a similar 
nature made up the simple list, and answered every purpose 
as well as the more pretentious titles by which many of 
these very streets are known at present. They were prop- 
erly denominated lanes, for they were nothing else. The 
laying out of a street was an action undreamed of in the 



70 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

simple and unj)retending community. The inhabitants built 
their houses anywhere, provided only that they owned the 
land, and there was no arbitrary custom to dictate which 
end should be the front, or which the back. The lanes 
were made afterwards for convenience, and to name the 
narrow paths would to them have seemed an absurdity. 

As the town increased in population and various improve- 
ments were made, the old meeting-house was removed to a 
more convenient location. A house owned by one Richard 
Ireson was found to project so far into the street which led 
to the meeting-house that it was impossible for a carriage 
to pass it, and finally the town voted to remove the north- 
west end. Several feet were accordingly cut off, the house 
being sawed nearly in halves. The end towards the street 
was boarded up, and there it remains to this day,i with not 
a single window in it except a very small one near the roof. 

During the year 1763 the town voted to open a market in 
the lower part of the town house, and eleven very stringent 
rules were adopted for its government, and a clerk was to be 
chosen annually to see that they were enforced. These rules 
provided that no putrid or impure meat should be offered 
for sale ; and that the market should be opened every Tues- 
day and Thursday in the year till one o'clock in the after- 
noon, and till sunset on Saturdays. All persons were for- 
bidden to buy provisions in the market with intent to sell 
the same at a greater price. All meat left in the market 
after the hour for closing, through the negligence of the 
seller, was to be forfeited, and the clerk was authorized to 
appropriate it to his own use, " without any account to the 
owner." No "hucksters" were to be allowed to sell pro- 
visions of any kind in the town before one o'clock in the 
afternoon on a market-day. 

The penalties for violating these rules varied in amount 
from ten to twenty shillings, and all fines were to be given 
to the poor of the town. 

1 1878. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 71 

The market was opened on the first Tnesday in August, 
1763. Richard Reed was chosen clerk, and a salary of ten 
pounds per annum was voted for his services. 

The well at the northeast end of the town house, in 
which the town pump has been placed for so many years, 
yielding such a plentiful supply of pure and cool water to 
the thirsty, was, in all probability, sunk during the month 
of May, 1763. At a meeting held on the 9th of that month 
it was voted, among other measures, " To sink a well at 
the North east end of the Town House for the public service, 
especially in the case of fires." 

In February, 1764, the small-pox again broke out in Bos- 
ton. The appearance of the disease in that city was regarded 
as a sure warning of a reign of the pestilence in Marblehead. 
The disease, in spite of every precaution taken to prevent 
it, broke out during the following May. A town meeting 
was immediately held, and it was voted to erect a small- 
pox hospital " in the pasture North westerly from the Alms 
house about eighty poles distant." This action on the part 
of the citizens was deemed a necessity, as the almshouse was 
considered too near the body of the town for use as a hospi- 
tal. The vote was promptly carried into effect, and all 
patients taken with the loathsome disease were removed to 
the hospital as soon as it was in readiness. 



72 THE fflSTOEY AND TRADITIONS 



CHAPTER VI. 

The causes which led to the controversy between Eng- 
land and the American colonies during the important epoch 
upon which we are about to enter, and which resulted in the 
war for independence, are too well known by all readers of 
history to require review here. 

" The contests with the crown over the right of Parlia- 
ment to tax the colonies for a revenue had ceased for a time, 
under the wise administration of Pitt, and the loyalty of the 
American people had been fully demonstrated during the 
wars which had been Avaged for the conquest of Canada. 
On the accession of George III. to the throne, the contro- 
versy was renewed with redoubled energy on both sides. 
The king and his ministers were determined to compel 
America to yield a revenue at the disposition of the crown ; " 
and the people of the colonies were equally determined to 
resist every attempt to subject them to taxation by a Parlia- 
ment in which they were not represented. For nearly thirty 
years a duty had been imposed by act of Parliment on all 
molasses imported into the colonies. This law had always 
been odious to the colonists ; and as the officers of the cus- 
toms began to be more vigorous in its enforcement, the op- 
position became more fierce and determined. " Under color 
of the law the officers had been accustomed to enter ware- 
houses or dwelling-houses " to search for contraband goods, 
and growing more zealous in their efforts by the counte- 
nance of the governor and the ministry, they applied to the 
Superior Court for writs of assistance. The opposition to 
this application at length compelled the court to grant a 
hearing in regard to the matter. Thomas Hutchinson, the 




Tlxkhr's Wharf. 




(_)l.l) TrcKMR Ht >L^SK. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 73 

chief justice, presided, and the council chamber of the old 
town house in Boston was crowded with excited and inter- 
ested spectators. 

The case for the crown was ably argued by Gridley, the 
king's attorney, who learnedly maintained the authority of 
the court to issue the writs. The cause of the people was 
espoused by Oxenbridge Thacher and James Otis. Thach- 
er's arguments evinced depth of thought, learning, and 
great research, and as one point after another was made the 
excitement of the people became intense. But it was re- 
served for the eloquence of Otis to fan the smoldering em- 
bers of discontent into a flame of opposition throughout the 
colony. For over four hours his audience listened spell- 
bound to his eloquence, and John Adams, who was one of 
his hearers, declared that " American independence was 
then and there born." * 

The events which followed in rapid succession soon after 
this famous speech were not such as to quiet the fears of the 
colonists, or allay the storm which was brewing throughout 
America. The resignation of Pitt and the organization of 
a new ministry known to be hostile to America were con- 
sidered " ominous signs " of an approaching contest. One 
act after another was passed levying duties on foreign sugars 
and molasses landed in the colonies, and finally, in spite 
of the most strenuous remonstrances of the colonial legis- 
latures, the obnoxious Stamp Act was passed. This act, 
which was to become a law on and after November 1, 1765, 
provided that all documents of an official character used in 
the American colonies should be written or printed on 
stamped paper, sold by the government. On the reception 
of the news in Boston, the most intense excitement pre- 
vailed. Andrew Oliver, a brother-in-law of Hutchinson, 
the lieutenant-governor, was appointed stamp distributer for 
Massachusetts. As soon as this was ascertained the " Sons 
of Liberty '* resolved to make a demonstration to show their 
hostility to the obnoxious officer. Early one morning an 



74 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

effigy of Oliver was found suspended from the limb of a 
majestic elm, and the people gathered in crowds to gaze at 
it and show their approval. 

In vain did Hutchinson, as the chief justice, order its re- 
moval. The people were determined that it should remain, 
and the officers were powerless to enforce the order. 

In the evening the effigy was taken down, a procession 
was formed, and the excited multitude marched to Oliver's 
house, where the figure was burned in front of his own 
doors. On their way the crowd demolished a building 
which had been erected for a stamp office. 

The next day, Oliver, fearing that unless he did so his 
life would be taken, resigned his office. 

Shortly after these demonstrations the crowd marched to 
the office of the deputy registrar, and burned the records of 
the Vice Admiralty Court. They then ransacked the house 
of the comptroller of customs ; and then, proceeding to 
the house of Lieutenant-governor Hutchinson, they " broke 
down the doors, destroyed his furniture, threw his books 
and manuscripts into the street, and at daybreak left his 
bouse a ruin." 

Though the people of Marblehead sympathized fully with 
the spirit of resistance to the Stamp Act which these riot- 
ous demonstrations in Boston were intended to show, they 
were at that time unprepared to sanction such a violent 
rnethod of proceeding. The people were loyal to the king, 
and though they bitterly denounced the act they laid the 
entire blame for its passage upon the shoulders of the min- 
istry and the Parliament of Great Britain. 

On the 18th of September, 1765, the inhabitants of Mar- 
blehead convened in town meeting to give instructions 
to their representatives concerning the Stamp Act. Col. 
Jeremiah Lee was moderator of the meeting, and Nathan 
Bowen, Joshua Orne, and John Chipman were chosen a 
committee to draw up instructions and report at an ad- 
journed meeting. At eleven o'clock in the forenoon, on 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 75 

Tuesday, September 24, the meeting was again called to 
order, and the following instructions were unanimously 
adopted : — 

" To Jacob Fowle and William Bourne, Esqrs., the repre- 
sentatives of the Town of Marblehead : — 

" Gentlemen, — We, the freeholders and other inhabitants 
of the Town of Marblehead, in town meeting assembled, 
this 24 day of September Anno Domini 1765, professing 
the greatest Loyalty to our most gracious Sovereign, and 
our sincere regard and profound reverence for the British 
Parhament as the most powerful and respectable Body of 
men on Earth, yet, at the same time, being deeply sensible 
of the Difficulties and Distress to which that august Body's 
late exertion of their power, in and by the Stamp Act, must 
necessarily expose us, think it proper, in the present critical 
conjuncture of affairs to give you the following Instructions, 
viz. : 

" That you promote and readily join in, such dutiful re- 
monstrances and humble petitions to the King and Parlia- 
ment, and other decent measures as may have a tendency 
to obtain a repeal of the Stamp Act, or alleviation of the 
heavy burdens thereby imposed on the American British 
Colonies. And forasmuch as great Tumults tending to the 
Subversion of Government, and the great Reproach of the 
Inhabitants of this Province have lately happened, and sev- 
eral outrages committed by some evil minded persons in the 
Capital Town thereof, you are therefore directed to bear 
your Testimony against, and do all in your power to sup- 
press and prevent all riotous assemblies and unlawful acts 
of violence upon the persons or substance of any of His 
Majesty's Subjects. And that you do not give your assent 
to any act of assembly that shall imply the willingness 
of your constituents to submit to any internal Taxes that 
are imposed otherwise than by the Great and General Court 
of this Province, according to the constitution of this Gov- 
ernment." 



76 THE fflSTORY AND TRADITIONS 

The first of November, the clay on which the Stamp Act 
was to go into effect, was observed throughout the country 
by the tolling of bells, the firing of minute guns, and simi- 
lar demonstrations. The vessels in the harbor displayed 
their colors at half mast, and the cry of the people every- 
where was " Liberty and no Stamps ! " 

The remonstrances of the colonial legislatures, together 
with the determination of the merchants not to import any 
English goods, at length had the desired effect and the fol- 
lowing year the law was repealed. The news of the repeal 
of the obnoxious act was received by the Americans with 
every demonstration of joy. But their delight over this 
partial recognition of their rights was quickly turned to 
indignation upon the passage of an act by Parliament im- 
posing duties on glass, paper, tea, and other articles imported 
into the colonies. A few days after the passage of this act 
another law was passed enabling the king to put the customs 
and other duties in America, and the execution of the laws 
relating to trade there, under the management of commis- 
sioners to be appointed for that purpose, and to reside in 
the colonies. " This, as the preamble declares, would tend 
to the encouragement of commerce, and to better securing 
the rates and duties, and the more speedy and effectual 
collection thereof." 

The excitement produced in Massachusetts by these acts 
of Parliament was little less than that produced by the 
Stamp Act. The uneasiness of the people was still further 
increased by the arrival of a body of British troops in Bos- 
ton, said to have been driven in by stress of weather. The 
legislature was not in session at the time, and the governor 
and council, on the plea of necessity, provided for their 
comfort by appropriations from the public treasury. When 
the legislature assembled, this action of the governor was 
severely rebuked as an assumption of authority and a usur- 
pation of power. 

During this session the house addressed a circular letter 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 77 

to the other colonies, stating the clangers to be apprehended 
from the recent acts of Parliament, and requesting their 
cooperation in petitioning the king for a redress of griev- 
ances. This letter was strongly opposed by the British 
cabinet, and the secretary of state, Lord Hillsborough, ad- 
dressed a letter to the governor of Massachusetts direct- 
ing him, " to require of the House of Representatives in his 
Majesty's name to rescind the resolution which gave birth 
to the circular letter of the speaker, and to declare their 
disapprobation of, and dissent to, that rash and hasty pro-^ 
ceeding." The house, upon the reception of this commu- 
nication, refused to rescind the action of their predecessors 
by a vote of ninety-two to seventeen. This being communi- 
cated to the governor, he immediately dissolved the legisla- 
ture, in accordance with instructions previously received in 
case the House refused to comply with the demands of the 
cabinet. 

This prompt and patriotic action on the part of the House 
of Representatives met with universal approbation through- 
out the province. At a town meeting held by the citizens 
of Marblehead in July, 1768, it was unanimously voted " to 
return the thanks of the Inhabitants of the Town of JNIarble- 
head to the Ninety-two members of the House of Represen- 
tatives for their steady resolution in maintaining the rights 
and privileges of the Province." 

For a time the attention of tlie people of INIarblehead was 
diverted from public affairs by the disasters to their fishing 
fleet, at sea. During the year 1768 nine vessels, with their 
crews, were lost, and the following year fourteen others met 
a similar fate, making a total of twenty-three vessels and 
one hundred and twenty-two men and boys. Besides these, 
a large number were drowned by being washed overboard 
from vessels which returned. A large number of widows 
and orphans were thus left to the care of the town, and the 
grief and suffering caused by these terrible calamities was 
very great. 



78 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

There were, at this time, about sixty merchants engaged 
in the foreign trade, besides a very Lirge number of " shore- 
men " who prosecuted the fisheries. Some of the houses 
built by these merchants were among the finest in the prov- 
ince, and one, the palatial residence of Col. Jeremiah Lee, 
is said to have cost over ten thousand pounds. Nearly every 
family of sufficient wealth owned several negro slaves, and 
Colonel Lee is said to have owned a large number, whom he 
employed in the work of loading and unloading his ships as 
fast as they arrived from foreign ports. Slavery, so far from 
being considered an evil, was regarded as the only normal 
condition of the negro, and the institution was fostered and 
encouraged throughout the province. About five thousand 
slaves were owned in JNIassachusetts at this time. The 
church records of INIarblehead bear evidence that even the 
clergymen of the town owned negro servants, not a few of 
whom were baptized and received into the church. Slave 
marriages are recorded, also, on the records of all three 
of the earlier churches. 

A very interesting tradition is related concerning the 
Rev. Peter Bours, one of the earlier rectors of St. Michael's 
Church. It seems that among other servants the reverend 
gentleman owned a very ill-tempered and vicious woman. 
One night, in a fit of ugliness, she attempted to take the life 
of her master, and the next day, having some regard for the 
safety of his life, he sold her. With the money thus ob- 
tained, Mr. Bours procured a life-size portrait of himself, 
painted by one of the most celebrated artists in the country. 
This portrait is now in possession of one of the oldest families 
in Marblehead.* 

The excitement incident to the passage of the Stamp Act 
did not cause the citizens of Marblehead to forget other 
matters of local importance. At the annual meeting in 
March, 1767, a board of trustees was chosen to direct and 

1 The portrait was painted by Blackburn, and is owned by Miss Eunice 
Hooper, a sister of the late Hon. Samuel Hooper. 



OF MAEBLEHEAD. 79 

manao;e the affairs of the schools. There were several pub- 
lie schools in the town, but they were in a deplorable con- 
dition, and the well-to-do families preferred to send their 
children to private teachers. The town appropriated the 
sum of .£350 for the use of the schools, and the trustees 
were instructed to report annually as to their condition. 
At an adjourned meeting it was voted to establish three new 
schools for the purpose of teaching reading, writing, and 
arithmetic. Messrs. Jayne, Phippen, and Ashton, were se- 
lected as teachers and the trustees reported that about one 
hundred and sixty scholars attended each of these schools. 
A few years later the town voted to erect two new school- 
houses on account of the crowded condition of the schools. 
Children were expected to be qualified to read before en- 
tering these schools, and as a consequence the children of 
the poor, whose parents in many instances CDuld not read 
themselves, were denied admission. The town elected a 
committee to investigate the matter, and it was found that 
one hundred and twenty-two boys were untaught. To 
remedy this evil it was voted that the children of the poor 
should be taught the necessary branches to qualify them 
for entrance into the schools at the expense of the town. 
This was the foundation of the primary schools, and the be- 
ginning of the present system of public instruction in Mar- 
blehead. 

Governor Bernard having dissolved the legislature of 
Massachusetts, and refusing to call it together again, a con- 
vention was held in Boston in September, 1768, " to deliber- 
ate on constitutional measures to obtain redress of their griev- 
ances." On the day after the convention adjourned a body 
of British troops landed in Boston and marched to the com- 
mon. The selectmen were requested to furnish quarters 
for the soldiers, and as they refused to do so, the State 
House was opened for their reception. The presence of 
British, soldiers in the capital town, and the frequent im- 
pressment of American seamen by ships of the British 



80 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

navy, excited the indignation of the inhabitants throughout 
the province. These attempts to bring the people into sub- 
jection to the will of the ministry of Great Britain were 
firmly resisted by the colonists, with a determination never 
to yield. 

During the spring of 1769 a brig belonging in Marblehead 
was boarded off Cape Ann by a lieutenant and a party of 
seamen from the British sloop-of-war Rose, and an attempt 
was made to impress some of the crew into the British serv- 
ice. The brig was the Pitt Packett, commanded by Capt. 
Thomas Powers, returning from Cadiz to Marblehead. The 
crew at once determined to resist the transfer of any of their 
number to the British sloop, and a hand-to-hand encounter 
followed. A party of marines was sent to the assistance of 
the lieutenant, and for over three hours the heroic sons of 
Marblehead defended themselves against every attempt to 
compel them to surrender. During the struggle two of the 
Americans were severely wounded, and the British lieu- 
tenant was killed by a blow from a harpoon thrown by one 
Michael Corbitt. At length, being overpowered by force of 
numbers, the brave men surrendered, and Corbitt was taken 
to Boston to be tried for murder. He was imprisoned, but 
a jury of inquest finally "vindicated his conduct," and he 
was released. 

This may be said to have been the first act of forcible 
resistance to British tyranny in defense of American lib- 
erty. It occurred several months before the people of Boston 
were fired upon by the British troops, and six years before 
the battle at Lexington. 

On the 22cl of May, 1769, the inhabitants of Marblehead 
again assembled in town meeting, for the purpose of elect- 
ing representatives to the General Com-t, and passing suita- 
ble instructions. Joshua Orne and John Gallison were 
elected representatives, and their instructions were as fol- 
lows : — 

" 1. That to the utmost of your power you endeavor to 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 81 

have removed everything that has the least tendency to 
awe or control the freedom of debate in your assembly. 

" 2. That to the utmost of your ability you promote every 
measure which may heal the unhappy breach with our 
mother country, and endeavor to have things once more 
placed upon their ancient footing ; to which end use your 
best endeavors to refute the misrepresentations which have 
been made of the province to the government at home, 
whereby the people have been treated as if in open rebellion, 
and endeavor by 'all legal methods to have the authors of 
such misrepresentations (if they can be discovered) brought 
to suffer deserved punishment. 

" 3. That you by no means comply with any requisition 
demanding a reimbursement for any j^art of the charges sus- 
tained by the bringing of troops into this province ; as we 
cannot conceive to what purpose they were introduced ; as 
the course of justice has never been impeded, nor the civil 
magistrate been deprived of the full and free exercise of 
his authority. 

" 4. Avoid every measure which may tend to weaken the 
union which at present subsists between the several British 
colonies in America, and promote those which may tend to 
strengthen and insure it. 

" 5. That you endeavor to have a provincial agent ap- 
pointed, a man of integrity and honor, well acquainted with 
the interests of the British American colonies, and let 
care be taken that he have ample provision to support his 
dignity, and to put him above the want of court favors. 

" 6. That you promote all you can every rational scheme 
for employing the poor in every part of the province in 
manufactures or any other way which may be of public 
utility. 

" 7. That after the appointment of the salary for the sup- 
port of his Majesty's government, you endeavor to obtain 
a vote that the said salary be paid monthly or quarterly, as 
shall seem best to the wisdom of your House. 



82 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

" 8. That as you are acquainted with the distressed condi- 
tion of the trade of this town by means of tlie great losses 
it has sustained in the course of the year, both in men and 
interest, which will in consequence augment the burdens it 
before labored under, you use your best endeavor to obtain 
some abatement of our part of the province tax. 

" 9. That you oppose any attempts to lay an excise on 
spirituous liquors, as the general trade of the province will 
be thereby greatly burdened and hindered, but if that can- 
not be prevented, endeavor to have what is consumed in 
the fishery exempted therefrom, as that most valuable 
branch of trade already labors under most intolerable bur- 
dens ; an excise would more materially affect the poor of 
this, than of almost any other town in the province. 

" 10. That you make strict inquiry into the conduct of 
the officers of the crown whether the impartial administra- 
tion of justice has not been greatly obstructed, and the au- 
thority of the prince and the rights of the subject been, in 
many cases, trampled upon with impunity by high-handed 
officers through their venality and corruption. 

" 11. That you do not allow by any vote or resolution 
whatever, a right in any power on earth to levy taxes on the 
people of the province, for the sake of raising a revenue, 
saving in the General Assembly of the province. 

" 12. Finally, embrace every opportunity of manifesting 
our allegiance to our rightful sovereign. King George ; ac- 
knowledge the supreme legislative authority of the British 
Parliament over the whole empire excepting the power of 
levying taxes on the province for the purpose of a reve- 
nue, and endeavor to wipe off that reproach for disloyalty 
and disobedience which has been so liberally cast upon us 
by malicious and malevolent persons, at the same time vin- 
dicating the just rights and privileges of your country 
from the insults and designs of wicked and arbitrary men." 

In August assurances were received from the British 
ministry that it was their intention at the next session of 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 83 

Parliament to remove the duties uj^on glass, paper, and 
colors, " upon consideration of such duties being contrary 
to the true principles of commerce." These concessions, in- 
stead of pacifying the people, had a far different effect. The 
repeal of the duty on tea was demanded as an evidence 
that the government had abandoned the right to tax the 
colonies. A meeting had been held by the merchants of Bos- 
ton a short time before, and an agreement had been signed 
not to import any British goods until the duties were re- 
pealed. As soon as the proposed action of Parliament was 
made known another meeting was held, and a committee 
was chosen to procure written pledges from the inliabitants 
not to purchase goods of any person who should import 
them contrary to the non-importation agreement. 

The merchants of Marblehead were not long in following 
the example of their brethren in Boston, and in October 
all but four signed a " Non-importation " agreement. Those 
who refused to join in this agreement were bitterly denounced 
as " blindly preferring the chains of slavery to our most val- 
uable inheritance, English Liberty.'' During the excitement 
occasioned by this controversy a chest of tea was brought 
into town, but so indignant were the people that the pur- 
chaser reluctantly consented to reship it the next day. The 
patriotic citizens assembled early on the following mornino-, 
and, forming a procession, paraded about town with the 
obnoxious merchandise, and it was then carried to Boston. 

The events of the winter of 1770 produced the most in- 
tense excitement among the people of Marblehead. The 
presence of the troops in Boston, making the capital a gar- 
risoned town, was regarded as an insult to the province, and 
when, on the 5th of March, the soldiers fired on the people, 
killing three and mortally wounding others, an uprising of 
the masses seemed inevitable. 

On the 7th of May a town meeting was held to consider 
the agreement for the non-importation of British goods. 
John Gallison, Esq., was chosen moderator, and it was voted 



84 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

that an agreement should be circulated among the inhabi- 
tants against the use of India tea. A committee was chosen 
to circulate the agreement, with instructions to report the 
names of all persons who should refuse to sign it. After 
electing a committee to draw up resolutions the meeting ad- 
journed to meet again in three days. 

On the 10th of INlay the meeting again assembled, and 
the following votes recommended by the committee were 
unanimously adopted : — 

" Voted. That this Town has ever looked upon acts of the 
British Parliament imposing Taxes upon Americans whose 
local circumstances can never admit a Representation in 
any Parliament excepting their own, to be highly uncon- 
stitutional in their Nature and Dangerous in their Ten- 
dency. 

" Voted. That with great Satisfaction and a Zealous Ven- 
eration, we have beheld the Honorable House of Represen- 
tatives for this Province, in its Petitions to his Majesty, Re- 
monstrances to Parliament, and Express Resolutions, exerting 
every constitutional Power with which it was invested for 
a Repeal of such acts, and a prevention of their fatal effects. 

" Voted. That with equal approbation we have beheld the 
merchants of this place, except a few, uniting with those of 
our spirited metropolis, and the other maritime towns in 
this Province, in an agreement of non-importation, well 
calculated to add weight to the proceedings of that assembly, 
which has gloriously distinguished itself as the watchful 
guardian of Invaluable Rights and Liberties. 

" Voted. That if these measures have not the desired effect 
in procuring a total repeal of the act imposing a duty on Tea, 
etc., we esteem it our duty and interest as Friends to our 
Country and as Freemen, to assist the merchants here in 
adherance to their agreement, and to prevent by every 
legal means the importation of English goods into this place 
(not excepted by this agreement) until a grand importation 
shall be admitted. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 85 

" Therefore, Voted. That after this time every person in 
this Town importing British goods contrary to the agree- 
ment above said, be waited upon by a committee to be 
chosen for that purpose and desired to reship said goods, and 
that said committee be hereby directed to apply to ye Town 
for money sufficient to pay ye freight of said goods back to 
Great Britain, if, from their being shipped in consequence 
of ye late partial repeal, or from any other consideration, it 
appears to them reasonable that ye person afoi-esaid should 
be excused from that damage. 

" Voted. That every person in this town, who importing 
British goods aforesaid, shall refuse to reship them as afore- 
said, likewise every person who shall continue to send orders 
for non-excepted British goods as 'aforesaid, after this time, 
until a general importation takes place, be published in the 
Essex Gazette, and looked upon as an enemy to his country, 
and we will not either ourselves or by any person for or 
under us, directly or indirectly, purchase of such person or 
persons any goods whatsoever, and so far as we can effect 
it, will withdraw our connection from any person who shall 
promote their trade. 

" Voted. That if any person not an inhabitant of this town 
shall purchase of, or have connection in trade with any such 
importer, ye committee aforesaid finding ye name and place 
of abode of such person, is hereby desired and authorized to 
write in ye name of the town to ye committee of merchants, 
or Selectmen of such other town, acquainting them with ye 
proceedings of such purchaser, in ojjposition to the measures 
of this town, and desiring ye inhabitants to discountenance 
such a proceeding, and cause the goods to be returned to 
the seller. 

" Voted. That the inhabitants of this town (altho unau- 
thorized by the warrant for ye present meeting) cannot omit 
this opportunity of expressing their highest indignation and 
resentment, that a lawless, ignorant, and bloody soldiery 
should attempt of its own authority to fire upon and destroy 



86 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

SO many of our brethren of ye town of Boston, and ive hereby 
declare a readiness with our Lives and Interest^ at all times 
to support ye civil authority of this Province in bringing to 
justice all such high-handed offenders against ye wholesome 
laws of this Land." 

The committee chosen to circulate the agreement for the 
discouragement of the use of foreign teas reported that 
seven hundred and twelve heads of families had signed it, 
and only seventeen had refused, a list of whose names was 
reported for the action of the town. Of the seventeen who 
refused their signatures seven appear afterward to have 
repented, as their names are erased from the report. The 
names of the remaining ten were as follows : " William 
Gooden, Sr., William Peach, William Hammond, Thomas 
Dolliver's widow, Samuel Gooden's wife, Amos Hubbard's 
wife, Benjamin Walpee, Abraham MuUett's widow, Samuel 
Rogers, tailor, Mr. Jim Mason. " The punishment of these 
persons for their refractory disposition was both novel and 
amusing. The town voted that they should be recorded in 
the clerk's office and published in the Essex Gazette as '•' un- 
friendly to the community," and the selectmen were desired 
not to " approbate any of them to the Sessions for license 
to sell spirituous liquors." 

The year 1771 is chiefly memorable in the annals of the 
town, on account of the suffering caused by the disasters at 
sea.i A large number of widows and fatherless children 
had been left in a helpless situation, and the town, un- 
able to provide for so large a number, applied to the pro- 
vincial government for assistance. By means of a " Brief," 
issued by the authority of the legislature, the sum of one 
hundred and seventeen pounds was collected for their re- 
lief. 

Early in the year Thomas Hutchinson, who had made 
himself exceedingly unpopular throughout the province, by 

1 Upwards of one thousand men and boys were employed in the fislicries, 
besides those who cured fish. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 87 

his duplicity and willing subserviency to the ministry of 
Great Britain, was appointed governor of Massachusetts. 
The measures proposed by Parliament to render the gov- 
ernor, judges, and other officials of the crown independent 
of the General Court served only to increase the indignation 
of the people of the province. The governor shortly after 
accepted a salary from the king and the British secretary 
of state announced " that the king had made provision for 
the support of his law servants in Massachusetts Bay." 

On the 28th of October a town meeting was held in Bos- 
ton, to consider what action should be taken in regard to 
these matters. At this meeting, which was the most im- 
portant ever held in the province, John Hancock presided, 
and, as has been very aptly said, the "foundation was laid 
for the American Union." It was there, after an address to 
the governor had been prepared, that Samuel Adams made 
his famous motion that " a committee of correspondence be 
appointed, to consist of twenty-one persons, to state the 
rights of the colonists, and of this province in particular, as 
men and Christians, and as subjects ; and to communicate 
and publish the same to the several towns and to the world, 
as the sense of this town, with the infringements and viola- 
tions thereof that have been, or from time to time may be, 
made." This motion was adopted, and the committee was 
appointed with James Otis as its chairman. A statement 
of the rights of the colonies was prepared by Samuel Adams, 
in which their " violations and infringements" were stated 
in the strongest and most forcible language. 

The letter to the towns was prepared shortly after. After 
soliciting a "free communication of the sentiments of the 
towns " of " our common danger," it concluded : " Let us 
consider, brethren, we are struggling for our best birthrights 
and inheritance, which being infringed, render all our bless- 
ings precarious in their enjoyments, and, consequently, tri- 
fling in their value. Let us disappoint the men w^ho are 
raising themselves on the ruin of this country. Let us con- 



88 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

vince every invader of our freedom tliat we will be as free 
as the constitution our fathers recognized will justify." 

These documents were received in Marblehead during the 
following month, and the response of the inhabitants was 
prompt, hearty, and characteristic. A petition w^as sent 
to the selectmen requesting them to call a town meeting 
on the 1st of December, which was couched in such patri- 
otic and vigorous language that it was inserted entire in 
the "warrant. *" It has proved the wisdom of tlie best par- 
liaments that ever Britain experienced " — such was its 
language — " in listening to the complaints of the people 
against any of their acts, and to suspend enforcing them 
contrary to the repeated remonstrances of a considerable 
part of the Empire; it being thoroughly known to these wise 
men, that the greatest advantage arising from mixt govern- 
ment consisted in this, the republic part of it. That which 
issues from the people is best able to direct the end of law, 
and the people by their experience of its operation to judge 
whether it is mild and salutary or oppressive and distress- 

ing." 

" But such wisdom does not distinguish the present era. 
The complaints of so considerable a part of the Empire as is 
made up of North America are unattended to ; their peti- 
tions, renionstrances, and resolves neglected and despised ; 
acts of Parliament contrary to the apparent rights of man- 
kind, and British subjects, carried in execution and cravimcd 
doivn their throats; acts assuming a power unknown be- 
fore to Englishmen ; a power to grant their moneys with- 
out their consent ; a power which (if supported) leaves to 
Americans not tlie least appearance of property, and at best 
makes them only tenants of their real and personal estates." 

On the day appointed the inhabitants assembled at the 
town house, and Thomas Gerry was chosen moderator. 
The circular letter from the town of Boston, and the pam- 
phlet "State of Rights " were read by the town clerk, and 
it was then voted to choose a committee " to take the whole 



OF MAKBLEHEAD. 89 

warrant into consideration." Col. Azor Orne, Elbridge Ger- 
ry, Thomas Gerry, Jr., Joshua Orne, and Capt. John Nutt 
were the members of this committee. The meeting: then 
adjourned to meet again on the following Tuesday, when 
the committee reported several resolutions, which were 
read separately and unanimously adopted. These resolu- 
tions denounced in the strongest terms the "recent act of 
Parliament and the British Ministry in sending troops and 
ships to parade about the coast and in the streets of the 
towns of the Province ; " characterized the granting of sti- 
pends to the provincial judges as an attempt to "bribe the 
present respectable gentlemen to become tools to their des- 
potic administration," and to "turn the seats of justice into 
a deplorable and unmerciful inquisition." The dissolution 
of the provincial legislature was condemned in language 
equally as forcible, and the resolutions concluded by declar- 
ing " That this town is highly incensed at the unconstitu- 
tional, unrighteous, presumptuous, and notorious proceed- 
ings, detesting the name of a Hillsborough, Bernard, and 
every Minister who promoted them. And that it not only 
bears testimony against, but will oppose these, and all such 
measures until some way for a full redress shall be adopted 
and prove effectual." It was voted to elect a committee of 
grievances now, and from year to year as long as may be 
necessary, to correspond with like committees in Boston and 
other towns in the province. The committee consisted of 
Azor Orne, Elbridge Gerry, Joshua Orne, Thomas Gerry, 
Thomas Gerry, Jr., Capt. John Nutt, Capt. John Glover, 
and Deacon William Dolliber. The circular letter of the 
town of Boston was referred to this committee with in- 
structions to prepare a reply, and the meeting then ad- 
journed to meet on the 15th of December. 

The meeting was held according to adjournment, and 
Azor Orne, chairman of the committee, presented a letter 
which had been prepared according to the instructions of 
the town. This letter was prefaced by a report in which, 



90 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

among other patriotic measures, it was recommended that 
one of the pamphlets of the town of Boston " containing the 
' State of* Rights ' be lodged in the office of the Town Clerk, 
and read annually until our grievances are redressed, at 
the opening of every March Meeting, to inform posterity 
(should their rights and liberties be preserved) how much 
they are indebted to many eminent patriots of the present 
day, that the names of the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., Mod- 
erator of the meeting which originated the ' State of Rights,' 
the Hon. James Otis, Esq., Mr. Adams, Doctor Warren, 
and other members of the committee which reported them, 
be recorded in the books of this town as great supporters of 
the rights and liberties of the Province, and gentlemen who 
do much honor and service to their country." 

Every patriotic sentiment contained in the " circular 
letter" of the town of Boston, was indorsed in the reply of 
the committee of grievance in INIarblehead. It was worthy 
the patriots who composed it, and the town which adopted 
its language, as its own. " We beg leave," it concludes, 
" to bid adieu for the present by assuring you that a deter- 
mined resolution to support the rights confirmed to us by 
the Great King of the Universe, engages the minds of this 
people, and we apprehend that all who attempt to infringe 
them are, in obedience to wicked dictates, violating the 
sacred statutes of Heaven. And for the honor of our Su- 
preme Benefactor, for our own welfare, and the welfare of 
posterity, we desire to use these blessings of Liberty with 
thankfulness and prudence, and to defend them with in- 
trepidity and steadiness." 

There were those among the merchants of INIarblehead 
who, though firm friends of their country, and sympathizing 
fully with every proper method taken to obtain a redress of 
grievances, were unprepared to indorse the language of the 
resolutions adopted at these meetings. To their conserva- 
tive minds the action of the town appeared " reash and in- 
considerate," and they accordingly protested against it. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 91 

The protest was signed by twenty-nine well known mer- 
chants, and published in the columns of the " Essex Ga- 
zette." It was claimed that but a small faction of the in- 
habitants voted in favor of the resolutions, and that they 
therefore "did not fairly represent the sentiments of the 
people of Marblehead." To this, a reply was made in the 
next issue of the paper, in which it was claimed that the re- 
solves " were fully and fairly discussed for more than an 
hour, and that when the vote was taken there was but one 
person found in opposition." The writer also stated that 
the protest was faithfully circulated four days before the 
twenty-nine signatures were obtained. 

During the year 1773 the attention of the inhabitants 
was for a time occupied in considering their danger from 
another source than the oppressive acts of the British Par- 
liament. In June the wife of Mr. William Matthews was 
taken sick, and was treated for " poison." Her husband 
leaving recently arrived home from a fishing voyage to the 
Grand Banks it was supposed that she had been poisoned 
by washing his clothing with some soap which he had pro- 
cured on board a French fishing vessel. In a short time 
other members of her family were afflicted, and in less than 
a month nearly all who had taken care of them were pros- 
trate with the " poison." The kind-hearted neighbors of 
these unfortunates took their turn in watching with, and 
caring for them, when to their consternation and alarm the 
disease which had thus far baffled all their skill was pro- 
nounced to be the small-pox in its most malignant form. 
A very small number, comparatively, of the inhabitants had 
ever had the disease, and their excitement was increased 
when it was known that an old lady who had died with it 
had been visited by more than one hundred and fifty per- 
sons. The town — as an old gentleman expressed it in his 
journal, — was now in an " uproar." The selectmen 
ordered all houses where the disease had appeared to be 
closed and guarded, and "all the dogs in town to be killed 



92 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

immediately." Many of those who were sick were removed 
to a house at the " Ferry," and in less than two months 
twent}^- three persons died there. Eight others, who died 
during two weeks of July and August, were buried at the 
Neck in the plain just above what was then known as 
" Black Jack's Cove." 

In August a town meeting was held, and Azor Orne, 
Jonathan Glover, John Glover, and Elbridge Gerry peti- 
tioned the town to build a hospital on Cat Island for the 
treatment of small-pox patients by inoculation, " or allow 
certain individuals to build it at their own expense." The 
town voted not to build the hospital, but gave the desired 
permission to the petitioners to undertake it as a private 
enterprise, provided " that the consent of the town of Salem 
could be obtained," and that the hospital should be so regu- 
lated that the inhabitants of Marblehead would " be in no 
danger of infection therefrom." 

The consent of the selectmen of Salem was readily ob- 
tained, and early in September preparations were made for 
the erection of the building. The work had barely com- 
menced, however, before the people of Marblehead began 
to manifest great uneasiness, through fear that by means of 
the hospital the dread disease might take the form of a pes- 
tilence among them. The opposition at length became so 
great that a town meeting was held on the 19th of Septem- 
ber, and the vote whereby permission was granted for the 
erection of the building was rescinded. The report had 
been freely circulated that the proprietors desired to estab- 
lish the hospital for their own personal gain, and " to make 
money by means of the dangerous experiment." To allay 
the indignation created by these rumors, and to show their 
own disinterestedness, the proprietors proposed to sell the 
materials for the building to the town, at their actual cost. 
The citizens, unreasonable now in their opposition, not only 
refused to purchase the materials, but demanded that the 
work be abandoned. 



OF MAEBLEHEAD. 93 

Indignant at the injustice of this action, tine proprietors 
continued their work in spite of all opposition, and in a 
short time the hospital, a large two-story building, was com- 
pleted. Dr. Hall Jackson, an eminent physician of Ports- 
mouth, N. H., who had attained a distinguished reputation 
for his success in treating the small-pox, was appointed su- 
perintendent, and, on the 16th of October entered upon his 
duties, and began the work of inoculation. 

A large number of j^'^tients, numbering several hundreds, 
were successfully treated ; but, unfortunately, a few, who 
had taken the disease more severely than the others, died 
while at the hospital. 

The opposition to the enterprise, which from the begin- 
ning had been very great, now took the form of the most 
bitter and angry hostility. The boatmen had landed pa- 
tients at places nearer the town than those appointed by the 
selectmen, and for this the excited citizens demolished their 
boats. Four men, who were detected in the act of stealing 
clothing from the hospital, were tarred and feathered, and, 
after being placed in a cart and exhibited through all the 
principal streets of the town, were carried to Salem, accom- 
panied by a procession of men and boys, marching to the 
music of five drums and a fife^ 

The fears of the inhabitants were still further increased 
when, a short time after this affair, it was announced that 
"twenty-two cases of small-pox" had broken out in the 
town. The storm of indignation which for months had been 
brewing, and manifesting itself at intervals, now burst upon 
the proprietors of the hospital in all its fury. Threats of 
lynching them were openly made, and the angry populace 
demanded .that the doors of the detested "Castle Pox" — 
as the hospital was ironically called — should be closed for- 
ever. The jDi'oprietors momentarily expected to be mobbed, 
and it is said that one of them. Col. Jonathan Glover, placed 
two small artillery pieces in one of the rooms of his house, 
fronting the street, intending to give the crowd a warm re- 



94 . THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

ception from the windows, should they attempt to molest 
him. 

At length, unable longer to resist the importunate peti- 
tions of their fellow-citizens, the proprietors closed the hos- 
pital, and promised that no more patients should be received. 
For a time the excitement was somewhat allayed, but the in- 
judicious remarks of one of the proprietors " excited the sus- 
picion of the citizens that the promise would not be kept," 
and the opposition broke out afresh. On the night of Jan- 
uary 26, 1774, a party of men closely disguised A'isited the 
island, and before they left it the hospital and a barn adjoin- 
ing were in flames. The buildings and all their contents 
were completely destroyed. 

Naturally indignant at this outrage, the proprietors deter- 
mined to secure the speedy punishment of the incendiaries. 
John Watts and John Gulliard were arrested as being impli- 
cated in the affair, and were confined in Salem jail. As soon 
as the news of the arrest became generally known in Mar- 
blehead, the cause of the prisoners was earnestly espoused by 
the inhabitants, and measures were adopted to rescue them 
from the hands of the authorities. A large number of men 
at once marched to Salem, and in a short time the jail was 
completely surrounded. At a given signal the doors were 
broken open, the jailer and his assistants were overpowered, 
and the prisoners were rescued and conducted in triumph to 
their homes. A few days after, the sheriff organized a force 
of five hundred citizens, intending to march to Marblehead 
and recapture his prisoners. A mob equally as large at 
once organized in Marblehead to resist them. Fearing the 
disastrous consequences to life and property which a conflict 
would endanger, the proprietors decided to abandon the pros- 
ecution, and the sheriff abandoned his purpose. 

Some time after this affair a man named Clark, one of 
the persons who had previously been tarred and feathered, 
went to Cat Island and brought a quantity of clothing into 
the town. He was at once ordered to take the bundle to 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 95 

the ferry for examination. On bis return to the town he 
was surrounded by an angry crowd, who threatened to inflict 
summary punishment upon him. The selectmen appeared 
upon the scene, however, and he was released. At about 
eleven o'clock that night his house was visited by a delega- 
tion of twenty citizens, and he was taken from his bed, con- 
ducted to the public whipping-post in front of the town- 
house, and was there unmercifully beaten. One of the 
perpetrators of the outrage was subsequently arrested, but 
the others were not detected. The town having been dis- 
infected of the disease, and the hospital, the great cause of 
all the contention, having been removed, peace was once 
more restored to the community. 

While these tumultuous proceedings were transpiring at 
Marblehead the people of the province were equally as ex- 
cited over matters of a diiferent nature. Tbe British gov- 
ernment, finding it impracticable to carry tbe duty on tea 
into execution by consti*aint, determined to effect it, if pos- 
sible, by policy. To this end a compromise was adopted, by 
which the East India Company, who had been the heaviest 
losers by the diminution of exports from Great Britain, 
were authorized by law to " to export their tea, free of du- 
ties, to all places whatever." Though by this regulation tea 
became cheaper to Americans than before the duties were 
imposed, the colonists were not to be deceived by the new 
ministerial plan. As soon as the news was received that 
the East India Company had freighted several ships with 
tea consigned to their agents in the colonies, a town meet- 
ing was held in Boston " to devise measures to prevent its 
landing and sale within the province." A committee was 
chosen to wait upon the agents of the company, and request 
a promise from them that the tea should neither be unladed 
nor sold. The agents refused to give the promise as desired, 
and the citizens passed resolutions declaring them " enemies 
to their country," and that they " should be dealt with ac- 
cordingly." 



96 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

A few days after, on the arrival of the ships with the tea, 
the Boston Committee of Grievance issued a circuhir invit- 
ing all the neighboring towns to hold meetings, " to make a 
united and successful resistance to this last, worst, and most 
destructive measure of administration." 

In response to this invitation the citizens of Marblehead 
assembled at the town house on Tuesday, December 7, 1773. 
The meeting was opened with prayer by the Rev. William 
Whitwell, pastor of the First Church. Deacon Stephen 
Phillips was chosen moderator, and a series of resolutions 
were unanimously adopted. These resolutions began by af- 
firming " That Americans have a right to be as free as any 
inhabitants of the earth, and to enjoy at all times an unin- 
terrupted possession of their property." " The late measure 
of the East India Company, in sending to the colonies their 
tea, loaded with a duty for raising revenue," was denounced 
as, " to all intents and purposes, so many attempts to tax 
Americans, and said company, as well as the freighters, for 
these daring attempts upon the liberties of America, have 
justly won the contempt, and severest marks of resentment 
from every American." The "brave citizens of Boston" 
were commended for " their noble firmness in support of 
American Liberty," and the people of Marblehead were de- 
clared ready with their " lives and interests to assist them 
in opposing these and all other measures tending to enslave 
our country." The determination was announced to oppose 
the landing of all tea, " whether shipped by the East India 
Company or imported by persons here." And, after de- 
nouncing the consignees for refusing to reship the tea lately 
brought to Boston, the resolutions concluded as follows : — 

" Resolved, That it is the desire of the town to be free 
from the company of such unworthy miscreants, and it is 
our determination to treat them, wherever found, with the 
contempt they deserve, and to carry into execution our res- 
olutions against all who may be concerned in landing tea 
from Great Britain, rendered hateful to us by its duty." 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 97 

The events of the winter and sjDring of 1774 were full of 
exciting interest to the inhabitants of Marblehead. On the 
16th of December the famous " Tea Party " occurred in 
Boston Harbor, when the sturdy patriots of that town emp- 
tied three hundred and forty-two chests of tea into the sea, 
rather than allow them to be landed contrary to the terms 
of the non-importation agreement. In March Governor 
Hutchinson resigned, and Thomas Gage was appointed in 
his stead. One bill after another was passed by Parliament 
and readily sanctioned by the king, having for their object 
the subjection of the people of Massachusetts. The quar- 
tering of troops in Boston was legalized ; town meetings 
were abolished, except for the choice of officers, or by spe- 
cial permission of the governor. Finally, the infamous Port 
Bill was passed, which closed the port of Boston to com- 
merce, and removed the seat of government to Salem. 

On the 23d of May, 1774, a town meeting was held for 
the purpose, according to the warrant, "of taking into con- 
sideration the alarming situation to which we are all re- 
duced (it being no less than this, wlietlier we shall hereaf- 
ter he freemen or slaves ; to choose a Committee of Corre- 
spondence ; " and to " adopt any other measures that may 
appear to be constitutional, and calculated to procure relief 
from the difficulties which are hastening in all the colonies of 
America by acts of Parliament taxing and unjustly depriv- 
ing them of their interest." 

The meeting was organized by the choice of Deacon Ste- 
phen Phillips as moderator, and, after prayer by the Rev. 
William Whitwell, adjourned to meet at two o'clock in the 
afternoon. At the hour appointed the citizens again assem- 
bled, and, having passed a vote of thanks to Rev. Mr. Whit- 
well for his services in the morning, elected the following 
Committee of Correspondence : Joshua Orne, Dea. William 
Dolliber, Dea. Stephen Phillips, Edward Fettyplace, Capt. 
John Nutt, and Ebenezer Foster. The meeting then ad- 
journed to meet again May 31. 

7 



98 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

Under the last clause of the warrant for these meetings, 
the town could legally take action upon almost any political 
measure ; and, in order to avoid the necessity of calling new 
meetings to consider the various issues as they arose, they 
were held by adjournment from time to time under this wai'- 
rant. Forty-six meetings, the largest number ever held in 
Marblehead under one warrant, were held pursuant to ad- 
journment, the last taking place on the 3d of April, 1775, 
ten months and ten days from the time the first meeting was 
convened. 

On the 31st of May, 1774, the very day that the adjourned 
meeting was to be held, an exceedingly complimentary ad- 
dress to the late Governor Hutchinson appeared in the 
columns of the "Essex Gazette." This address was signed 
by thirty-three citizens of Marblehead, and declared, among 
other things, " that the public good was the mark at which 
the Ex-governor had ever aimed in his administration, and 
that this judgment was sustained by the opinions of all dis- 
passionate, thinking men." The publication of the address 
caused great indignation, and as soon as the citizens as- 
sembled in town meeting it was referred to a committee 
who were instructed to take it into consideration and re- 
port at an adjourned meeting. 

On the 2d of June, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, the 
citizens again assembled, and the committee presented a 
long report concerning the address, which was unanimously 
adoj)ted. The report denounced the signers as enemies of 
the province, and declared that the address was " insulting 
to both branches of the Legislature and effrontive to the 
town : " " that it was designed to destroy the harmojiy of 
the town in its public affairs : " " that it was false as it was 
malicious, and that its signers should only be forgiven by a 
public recantation of the sentiments contained in the ad- 
dress." One of the signers publicly recanted at the meet- 
ing, and the town thereupon voted " that any of the sub- 
scribers who shall signify before the further adjournment of 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 99 

this meeting, that they are desirous of detracting them- 
selves from all enemies in ye address so effrontive and 
justly obnoxious to the inhabitants of this town, shall be 
viewed in the same light as if they had not signed the ad- 
dress." 

Other "recantations " soon followed, and in a short time 
all but ten of the subscribers had publicly acknowledged 
their error, and expressed their sorrow for signing the ad- 
dress. Two of the signers, John Fowle, and John Prentiss, 
through the columns of the " Essex Gazette," expressed the 
wish "that the address had been to the devil before they 
had either seen it or sig-ned it." 

At the annual election in May, John Gallison, Esq., had 
been elected representative to the General Court, and a 
town meeting was held on the 6th of June to adopt in- 
structions which had been prepared by the Committee of 
Grievance. " Some bills " then " pending in the British 
Parliament were ordered to be read at this meeting," and 
the following instructions were then adoj)ted : — 

" To John Gallison, Esq., our Eepresentative. 

Sir : The wisdom, the Integrity and Firmness of the 
Honorable House of Commons of this Province, whereof 
you are a member, are so conspicuous, and the names of 
the gentlemen who compose it so well respected by this 
town, that your constituents feel not the least doubt of its 
undaunted resolution, even in this day of its greatest diffi- 
culty. The worthy patriot does not fully show himself 
when the State is secure and tranquil, but shines illustri- 
ously in the midst of attacks and dangers ; and the honor- 
able members of this house, fully convinced of the upright- 
ness of their cause in ye present interesting disputes, are 
assured that they breathe the sentiments of the collective 
body of the province. We dare aver, will assert and main- 
tain the invaded rights of a free people, however surrounded 
by a hostile band, pointing at their breasts glittering bayo- 



100 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

nets and threatening sudden destruction. Nevertheless, sir, 
we feel it proper to suggest to you our sentiments at the 
present alarming crisis. The Parliament of Great Britain, 
as well as the British Administration, we will not only ad- 
mit to be a powerful, but likewise an understanding and 
august body of men ; but should their power be infinitely 
greater than it is, this town conceives that measures which 
are inconsistent with the eternal rules of Reason and Justice 
will never become just and right because executed by that 
power. Surely power is one thing, right another. The 
late act of Parliament called the Port Bill, with two others 
which hath undoubtedly passed since, hath struck this town 
with the greatest astonishment. 

" The Parliament is a legislature in which no one member 
represents America in general, or any person in it, and yet 
it is making laws that not only affect the properties, but 
likewise the lives and liberties of His Majesty's American 
Subjects. This distressing grievance is magnified in this 
province, and will undoubtedly be so in all the provinces, 
by the mode of government in which the laws are to be ex- 
ecuted, in which neither the representative or the collective 
body of the province are to have any choice or control what- 
ever, our judges and justice^, sheriffs or jurors, either 
mediately or immediately, on whose judgments so much de- 
pends, thei7' all. Americans thus situated and with no in- 
terests but what can be granted by the Commons of Great 
Britain, are in a state but little above that of abject slaves 
on farms or plantations. Surely no man on earth can think 
these measures right, and Heaven itself, that Grand Court 
to whose decree all earthly ones must be subservient, will, 
we confidently hope, forbid the execution of them. Do the 
minions of power tell us that not to submit to these meas- 
ures is death ? We coolly answer that to submit is infinitely 
worse than death ! We therefore desire you as the Repre- 
sentative of this Town, to use every prudent method for 
avoiding the Miseries threatening the province, by the fore- 
going Measures. 



OF MAEBLEHEAD. 101 

" First. We would have you employ your best abilities in 
assisting the metropolis of this province under the operation 
of the detestable Port Bill. Our hearts bleed for the dis- 
tressed but truly respectable Bostonians. The sacrifice now- 
making of their liberties is a sacrifice of the liberties of this 
province, and of all America. Therefore let it be borne, 
if not by the provinces in general, by this in particular ; 
and should one plan for this purpose be defeated, we 
strongly recommend you to use your influence for adopting 
another and another until it shall be accomplished. It is 
the opinion of this town that nothing could more deface the 
history of America than its permitting the magnanimous 
Bostonians to suffer more than an equal proportion of this 
unrighteous sacrifice now making of their interest. In sup- 
porting this, we prop the liberties of America. 

" Second. We strongly recommend to your views a con- 
gress of Committees from the several Houses of Assemblies 
on the Continent. By this means the joint wisdom of the 
whole is promised, as well as that union by which alone 
each province can expect to jDreserve its freedom. Every 
one must now see the truth of that excellent maxim of the 
celebrated farmer, ' United we stand, divided we fall.' 

" Third. We desire you to aim at harmonizing in your 
councils, and should the honorable house be infested with 
any member whose general conduct shall appear to be in- 
fluenced not by the public good but private views of sound- 
ing honor or sordid profits, you cannot render to this town 
more acceptable service than by contemning such a man ; 
but we sincerely hope that such a man may not be found in 
the senate. 

" Fourth. We desire that you agitate in the house the 
assumed right of Parliament to alter or disannul the char- 
ter of this Province. It is humbly conceived by this town, 
that while the province shall not consent to any alteration 
of its Charter, Councellors, Justices, Sheriffs, or Jurors, not 
chosen according to it, have no more authority over the 



102 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

province than a Nuncio or ambassador from the Pope of 
Rome. 

" Fifth. That should the bills of Parliament relating to 
the province, (of which we have copies) have passed into 
acts, you likewise endeavor to obtain the sense of the hon- 
orable house upon them m their most material consequences. 
It appears to this town that abstracted from every other 
consideration the bills in themselves are as cruel as tyranny 
itself can devise. 

" Sixth. We strongly recommend it to you, that if any 
important matter relating to this dispute shall be agitated 
in the house which our instructions do not relate to, that 
you make the earliest communication of them to your con- 
stituents and receive their advice thereon. 

" Seventh. And, upon the whole, that the sense of the 
honorable house be obtained upon the absolute authority of 
legislature and government claimed by Great Britain over 
the colonies and its immediate consequences to ye latter. 

" Nothing is more clearly conceived by this town than 
that a submission to this authority by the Colonies will in- 
evitably be attended with such a dwindling state as will 
finally terminate in their Total Ruin.'" 

At another meeting, held shortly after, the Committee of 
Correspondence was enlarged by the addition of six mem- 
bers. In July subscriptions were solicited by order of the 
town, in aid of the poor of Boston, who were suffering 
from the operation of the Port Bill, and, among other con- 
tributions, eleven cart-loads of Jamaica fish and a cask of 
oil were donated. The town house and powder-house were 
placed at the disposal of the merchants for the storage of 
goods, and the citizens generally tendered the use of their 
wharves, store-houses, and other unoccupied buildings for 
this purpose. 

As soon as the determination to hold a " Continental Con- 
gress " was made known, the town voted to send one repre- 
sentative, and appropriated the sum of nine pounds and 



OF MAKBLEHEAD. 103 

eight shillings for the use of the Congress. Jeremiah Lee, 
Azor Orne, and Elbridge Gerry were in turn elected to 
represent the town, but all three declined the honor, " as 
the condition of their private affairs was such as to pre- 
vent their acceptance." At a subsequent meeting, the town 
voted, that " inasmuch as all three of the gentlemen chosen 
had been unable to accept the choice," in case any one of 
them should find it convenient to set out for Philadelphia, 
" he was authorized to draw upon the Town Treasurer for 
the amount of his expenses." Elbridge Gerry, the young- 
est person of the three who had been chosen, then only 
thirty years of age, was finally induced to accept the posi- 
tion, and thus began that distinguished public career which 
did not close until he had attained the office of Vice-presi- 
dent of the United States. During the month of July the 
town voted to request the various ministers " to appoint a 
day of fasting and prayer, on account of the grievous situa- 
tion of public affairs throughout America." At the same 
meeting the constables were instructed to notify the inhabi- 
tants personally to attend a meeting to be held on the 26th 
of July, as the " disuse of tea " was " to come under consid- 
eration." 

On the day appointed, the meeting was held, and the 
town voted that " the use of tea at a time when our invet- 
erate enemies are causing it to be enforced on the American 
Colonies in the most violent methods, even by armed bands, 
is no less an injury offered to the Colonies by all who vend 
or purchase it, than affording assistance to those enemies to 
raise revenues to pay the dragoons who are to enslave us." 
It was also voted, " that this town highly disapproves the 
vending or use of any India Tea, .... and views all per- 
sons who shall offer it for sale as enemies to America and 
this town in particular." A tea committee of eleven persons 
was chosen to warn the inhabitants not to use or sell India 
teas, and it was voted that all who refused to discontinue 
the sale and use of the article after being warned by the 



104 THE fflSTORY AND TRADITIONS 

committee should have their names " posted at the Town 
House and at the several Churches that the town may know 
their enemies." 

In defiance of the acts of Parliament for the suppression 
of town meetings, the people of Marblehead continued to 
assemble, and to express their sentiments concerning the 
great questions then agitating the country. Nor were they 
awed by the presence of a company of " British Regulars," 
which had been stationed on the Neck for the purpose of 
enforcing submission to this act, at the order of the governor. 

On the eleventh of August a meeting was held, and a 
committee of four persons was chosen "to take into consider- 
ation the late acts of Parliament respecting the Constitution 
of the Province." At a subsequent meeting, held four days 
later, the committee brought in a report recommending the 
holding of county meetings, by delegates from each town, 
" to deliberate upon matters for the safety and defense of 
the Province, and to confer upon whatever may be for the 
public good." The report was promptly adopted, and the 
Committee of Correspondence was instructed to address a 
"circular letter" to the several towns in the county, ap- 
pointing a place for the meeting, and requesting them to 
send delegates. The town voted to send five delegates, and 
the following named gentlemen were elected : Jeremiah Lee, 
Azor Orne, Elbridge Gerry, Joshua Orne, and Deacon Wil- 
liam Dolliber. 

INIean while, throughout the province, great attention was 
being paid to military discipline, and the patriots every- 
where were anxious to be properly armed and accoutered. 
The militia officers were requested, by vote of the town, to 
" have tlie law of the Province relative to the militia ad- 
hered to with respect to proper equipment, and to disci- 
pline such of the inhabitants as have regard for the welfare 
of their country at least four times a week, and two hours 
each time." The selectmen were "desired to deposit the 
town's stock of powder at such places as they may think 



OF MAEBLEHEAD. 105 

most secure for the benefit of the town." These and similar 
votes prove conclusively that the people, though hoping that 
a pohcy of conciliation might yet be adopted by the British 
ministry, were steadily preparing to rush to arms at a mo- 
ment's notice, in defense of their rights and liberties. The 
signs of the apiDroaching struggle were read aright, and 
Americans everywhere were determined to meet it with un- 
yielding fortitude and bravery. 

The presence of the British soldiers on the Neck was a 
source of constant irritation to the inhabitants, and several 
times a collision between them seemed imminent. The ex- 
citement and indignation which their insolence occasioned 
were fomented almost to fury, when Captain Merritt, a wor- 
thy citizen, was wounded by one of the guards. The citi- 
zens hastily assembled, intending to march to the Neck 
and " exterminate the entire body of soldiers," but wiser 
counsels prevailed, and the officers in command, in order to 
pacify the angry populace, promised that the oifefider should 
be punished with five hundred lashes. 

On the 5th of September the first Continental Congress 
met at Philadelphia. One of the first acts of this assembly 
was to pass resolutions and sign an agreement, by the terms 
of which the colonies were bound not to import directly or 
indirectly any goods from Great Britain or Ireland, after the 
1st of December, 1774; and in case the acts complained of 
should not be repealed by the 10th of September, 1775, they 
agreed not to export to Great Britain and Ireland, or the 
West Indies, any commodities or merchandise whatever. 

In the mean time, Governor Gage issued a proclamation, 
dissolving the Massachusetts legislature, which had been 
called to meet at Salem on the 5th of October. Notwith- 
standing this order, the legislature convened on the day ap- 
pointed, and immediately resolved itself into a Provincial 
Congress. As soon as this intention was made known, a 
town meeting was held, and Jeremiah Lee, Azor Orne, and 
Elbridge Gerry were chosen as delegates from Marblehead. 



106 THE fflSTORY AND TRADITIONS 

At the same meeting, a committee of "Observation and 
Prevention" was chosen, with instructions "to cooperate 
with other towns in the Province for preventing any of the 
inhabitants from supplying the troops with labor, lumber, 
spars, pickets, straws, bricks, or any other material what- 
ever, except such as humanity requires." 

The militia of Marblehead consisted at this time of a reg- 
iment of seven companies of well disciplined, active men. 
This regiment was under the command of ofl&cers, all of 
whom had been commissioned by Governor Gage or former 
governors, and the town voted that it was " not expedient for 
the people " to be led or influenced by any militia officers 
" who conceive themselves obliged to hold and execute " these 
commissions. On the 5th of December the regiment was or- 
dered, by vote of the town, to assemble and " choose officers 
for each company," and every inhabitant was ordered to be 
"possessed of a firearm and bayonet in good order, and 
equipt with thirty rounds of cartridges and ball, a pouch and 
knapsack." In order the better to facilitate the work of re- 
organization, a " committee, consisting of three persons for 
each of the seven companies, was chosen, with instructions 
to give personal notice to all on the alarm list, at least four 
days before the time appointed. In the performance of 
their duty the committee met with great opposition from 
some of the officers and their friends, and the names of the 
offenders were reported to the town. Several were severely 
censured, and a committee was appointed to wait upon all 
the officers, and inform them that, in the opinion of the 
town, they could " not hold or execute their commissions 
without hostile designs against the liberties of America." 
The committee were also directed to inform theni that it 
was the desire of the town that they should forthwith resign 
their commissions, and publish their resignations in the 
" Essex Gazette." Upon being notified of this action of the 
town, a majority of the officers complied with the request of 
their fellow-citizens, and resigned their commissions. There 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 107 

were those, however, who looked upon the adoption of these 
measures as an assumption of authority, and an evidence of 
an arbitrary and coercive spirit, and they firmly refused to 
resign their commissions, or to accede to the wishes of the 
town. The excitement of the people at length became so 
great that the town house was too small to hold the crowds 
that assembled at the town meetings, and the citizens were 
several times obliged to adjourn to the " New Meeting 
House." At one of these meetings, the town voted to sus- 
tain all those inhabitants who should disregard the orders 
and commands of the officers who had not resig-ned their 
commissions, and the constables were instructed to warn the 
officers not to attempt to muster the militia, as such action 
would disturb the peace and order of the town. 

By this vote, the offices of those who had not already 
resigned wei-e virtually declared vacant, and the regiment 
was thus without officers. But it was not the intention of 
the citizens to allow the regiment to disband, and the vari- 
ous companies were ordered to assemble and choose officers 
to fill the vacancies. The officers elected were presented 
with commissions issued by the authority of the town, and 
the organization of the regiment was thereby preserved. 

In the mean time, the loyalists, of whom there were a few 
among the wealthier citizens, were not inactive. It was not 
to be expected that they could view these revolutionary pro- 
ceedings without deep concern, and doing all in their power 
to dissuade their fellow-citizens from the course they had 
taken. They protested that the entire policy of the colonies 
was suicidal, and that the town had been guilty of treason 
by its recent action. 

In November a. meeting had been held, and a " Com- 
mittee of Inspection " had been chosen to carry into effect 
the resolve of the Continental Congress respecting the non- 
importation of British goods. This committee was com- 
posed of fifteen patriotic citizens, whose zeal for the cause 
of their country was a sufficient guaranty that the duty 



108 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

■svould be faithfully performed, namely : Samuel Hooper, 
Capt. John Glover, Capt. Israel Foster, Capt. John Prince, 
Capt. Thomas Pedrick, Capt. John Russell, Capt. James 
Mugford, Capt. William Courtis, Mr. Nicholas Bruughton, 
Capt. William Blackler, Thomas Grant, 3d, Edward Wild, 
Samuel Russell Trevett, Capt. John Grush, and Mr. Joel 
Smith. The loyaHsts were especially bitter in their opposi- 
tion to the doings of this committee. The behavior of 
some of them at length became so offensive, that the town 
voted, that they were " deserving of a severe rebuke for 
their misconduct." Several of those who had made them- 
selves obnoxious by their undisguised " tory " sentiments, 
were signers of the address to the late Governor Hutchin- 
son. As they had never recanted, nor in any way given 
the least evidence of regret for their action, the indignation 
of the citizens was now rekindled against them. A town 
meeting was held at the " New Meeting House," on the 
28th of December, to consider their conduct, and a com- 
mittee, of which Col. Jeremiah Lee was chairman, was 
chosen to prepare appropriate resolutions. These resolu- 
tions, which were promptly adopted by the town, denounced 
the late governor as an " unparalleled hypocrite," and the 
address as "an indecent, absurd, and ridiculous instrument." 
The addressers were stigmatized as " enemies to their 
country," and their conduct as " ungenerous, unjustifiable, 
and opprobrious ; " and it was therefore voted, to " break 
off all connection in commerce, and in every other way with 
the persons mentioned, until they manifest tokens of good 
disposition to join their country in its just cause." In 
addition to this severe censure of the town, it was voted 
that the names of the offenders should be published in the 
" Essex Gazette," " that a proper resentment from the Prov- 
ince may likewise fall upon them." 

But the zealous loyalists were not to be silenced. With 
a sincere belief that these rebellious acts of the colonists 
must sooner or later bring disaster and ruin upon the 



OF MAEBLEHEAD. 109 

country, and death or imprisonment to the leaders, they en- 
treated their friends and neighbors to recede from their 
position before it was too late. But in vain. The invari- 
able answer of the sturdy patriots was, " Death rather than 
submission;" and their entreaties only rendered them the 
more unpopular. Finally, by their persistent opposition to 
the measures of the Committee of Inspection, they again 
provoked the anger and resentment of the town, and at a 
meeting held in January, 1775, it was voted that they 
" ought not to be indulged in their wickedness ; " and a 
committee was chosen to " attend to the conduct of these 
ministei'ial Tools and Jacobites," with instructions to re- 
port their names from time to time, that effectual measures 
might be taken, " either for silencing them, or expelling 
them from the community." 

■ Shortly after this meeting had been held, the public mind 
was again exercised by the report that three vessels were 
daily expected to arrive from Falmouth, England, and that 
the owner of one of them had expressed a determination to 
land his cargo and offer it for sale. The people were 
equally determined that if he did so, the goods should be 
immediately re-shipped, and the " Committee of Inspec- 
tion " was instructed to take possession of them and carry 
the vote into effect, even at "the risk of life itself." 

In the mean time the citizens had not been unmindful 
of their other duties, nor of the necessity of making active 
preparations for the struggle, which every patriot felt must 
now be imminent. 



110 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 



CHAPTER VII. 

One of the most important measures adopted by tlie Pro- 
vincial Congress during tlie last days of its session, was to 
provide for the organization of an army ; and the several 
towns were advised to enlist companies of minute men, and 
to cause them to be properly disciplined and equipped. In 
accordance with this recommendation, a town meeting was 
held at Marblehead on the 2d of January, 1775, " to make 
provisions to pay the persons who may enlist as minute 
men, and take other suitable steps for perfecting the militia 
ill the arts of war." The subject was referred to a com- 
mittee, of which Gerry, Orne, and Lee were members, and 
they reported that as a large proportion of the inhabitants 
would soon be called upon " to assist in defending the 
Charter and Constitution of the Province, as well as the 
Rights and Liberties of America, it was necessary that they 
should be proj)erly disciplined and instructed ; and as those 
who were first to take the field would be required to devote 
a large proportion of their time to this exercise, it was but 
just and reasonable that they should be remunerated for 
their extra services." The sum of eight hundred pounds 
was accordingly granted for the purpose, and Capt. James 
Mugford was appointed paymaster for the " detached Militia 
or Minute Men," with instructions to pay the money to those 
only who presented an order indorsed by a committee of the 
town. This committee consisted of Thomas Gerry, Richard 
Harris, and Joshua Orne, who were instructed to allow a 
compensation of two shillings a day to each private ; to sear- 
gents, clerks, drummers, and fifers, three shillings each; 
second lieutenants four shillings; first Ueutenants four shil- 




'i^ 1 ^ *■ j'tv 




OF MARBLEHEAD. Hi 

lings six-pence, and captains six shillings. A service of four 
hours a day was required, but compensation was allowed for 
but three days in each week. 

During the month of January the British soldiers were 
withdrawn from the town, and on the 9th of February his 
Majesty's ship Lively, mounting twenty guns, arrived in the 
harbor, and anchored off the fort. All vessels arriving in 
the harbor w^ere diligently searched by the officers of this 
ship, and arms, ammunition, and military stores of every 
description, found on board them were confiscated by order 
of the governor. A vessel containing a chest of arms was 
compelled to anchor near the Lively ; but a few nights after 
her arrival the prize was boarded by a party of intrepid 
young men under the lead of Samuel R. Trevett, and the 
arms were removed and concealed on shore. Though a dili- 
gent searcH was made by the British officers, the muskets 
could not be found, and, as was supposed, were afterwards 
used in completing the armament of the Marblehead regi- 
ment. 

On the afternoon of Sunday, February 26, while the 
people were at church, a transport sailed into the harbor. 
Soon after, a regiment of British soldiers, under command 
of Colonel Leslie, landed on Roman's Beach. After load- 
ing their guns, they marched through the town. An alarm 
drum was beaten at the door of each of the churches, and, 
as the people came into the streets, the Marblehead regi- 
ment was mustered, and active preparations were made for 
the defense of the town. Suspecting the object of the ex- 
pedition to be the seizure of several pieces of artillery se- 
creted at Salem, Major John Pedrick hastened on horseback 
to that town, and gave the alarm at the door of the North 
Church. He was soon joined by a party of young men fi'om 
Marblehead, and together they proceeded to the North 
Bridge, over which the regulars were obliged to pass. On 
their arrival, the troops found the draw raised, and a large 
body of citizens determined to resist their passage. Colonel 



112 THE HISTORY AND TEADITIONS 

Leslie demanded that " the draw be lowered in the King's 
name," but was told that it was " not the King's highway, 
but a private road." Several of the soldiers then attempted 
to cross in boats ; but they were told that, should they do 
so, the boats would be immediately sunk. 

While Colonel Leslie and his officers were debating with 
the citizens, Robert Wormsted, one of the young men from 
Marblehead, — who afterwards distinguished himself by his 
daring and bravery, — engaged in an encounter with some 
of the soldiers. He was a skillful fencer, and, with his cane 
for a weapon, succeeded in disarming six of the regulars. 
Finally, upon their agreement to march a short distance and 
then return, the draw was lowered, and the soldiers were 
allowed to proceed. Finding himself frustrated in his de- 
sign, the disap]3ointed Colonel returned with his regiment to 
Marblehead, and reembarked on board the transport. Their 
discomfiture was rendered the more complete, as they were 
obliged to pass the Marblehead regiment, and realized that, 
had their mission proved successful, it wovild have resulted 
only in bloodshed and utter defeat on their return.^ 

The British Parliament having prohibited the colonists 
from carrying on any fisheries on the Banks of Newfound- 
land, it was deemed imprudent for the fishing fleet to vent- 
ure out. As nearly if not quite all the vessels belonging in 
town were ready for sea, a committee was chosen to wait 
upon the owners and " skippers," and request them not to 
proceed on their voyages until after the time of prohibition 
had expired. A circular letter was also addressed to the 
fishermen of other towns, requesting them to adopt a similar 
course, as the safety of their lives and the welfare of their 
families depended upon their prudence and forbearance. 

The events which followed m rapid succession, during the 
months of March and April, were such as to cause the ut- 
most excitement in Marblehead. On the 19th of April 

1 This accouut is substantially from private manuscripts belonging to the 
Pedrick family. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 113 

the battle of Lexington was fought, and the news of the 
disastrous rout of the British was received with the greatest 
enthusiasm. The war for freedom had commenced, and the 
patriots everywhere declared themselves ready for the strug- 
gle. 

The day before the battle, the Province Committee of 
Safety and Supplies, of which Jeremiah Lee, Elbridge 
Gerry, and Azor Orne were members, held a meeting at 
Wetherby's Black Horse Tavern, on the road between Cam- 
bridge and Lexington. After the session was concluded, 
several members of the committee, including John Hancock 
and Samuel Adams, went over to Lexington to pass the 
night, while the gentlemen from JNIarblehead remained at 
the tavern. Towards nightfall, small parties of British offi- 
cers and soldiers were observed to pass the tavern, and Gerry 
at once dispatched a messenger to Hancock and Adams, ap- 
prising them of the fact. Without the slightest thought of 
personal danger to themselves, Gerry and his associates re- 
tired to rest, and remained quietly in their beds until the 
British advance were within view of the house. " It was a 
fine moonlight night, and they quietly marked the glittering 
of its beams on the polished arms of the soldiers, as they 
moved with the silence and regularity of accomplished dis- 
cipline. The front passed on. When the centre was op- 
posite the house, an officer and file of men were detached 
by signal, and marched towards it. It was not until this 
moment that the gentlemen of the committee entertained 
any apprehension of danger. While the officer was posting 
the files, the gentlemen found means, by their better knowl- 
edge of the premises, to escape, half dressed as they were, 
into an adjoining cornfield, where they remained for more 
than an hour, until the troops were withdrawn. Every 
apartment of the house was searched for the " Members of 
the Rebel Congress ; even the beds in which they had lain 
were examined ; but their clothing and other property, in- 



114 THE HISTORY AXD TRADITIONS 

eluding a valuable watch of ISIr. Gerry's, which was under 
his pillow, were not disturbed." ^ 

The night being very cold, the gentlemen suffered very 
keenly from their exposure, and Colonel Lee was soon after 
attacked by a severe fever, from which he never recovered. 
He died on the tenth of May following, at Newburyport, 
but his body was brought to Marblehead for interment. 

The death of this eminent patriot, at a time when his in- 
estimable services were of more value than ever to the town 
and province, was universally lamented. In the various po- 
sitions of trust and honor which he had held, as an ent«r- 
prising and successful merchant, and as " an ardent, active, 
and able advocate for the Liberties and Independence of his 
Country," he inspired the confidence and esteem of all who 
knew him. In his private hitercourse with his fellow-men, 
he was admired for the urbanity of his manners, and be- 
loved for his generous disposition and benevolence to the 
poor. 

After the sanguinary scenes at Lexington and Concord, 
there was no longer any question as to the determination of 
Great Britain to enforce " unconditional submission." The 
Provincial Congress, which had adjourned to meet on the 
10th of May, was convened on the 22d of April, and it 
was voted to raise an army of thirteen thousand men for 
the service of the Province. On Sunday, the 23d of April, 
Mr. Gerry, one of the delegates from Marblehead, reported 
that the British man-of-war Lively was lying off the harbor 
of the town, and that the means of defense were inadequate 
to repel an attack. Four days later, the Committee of 
Safety — 

" Ordered^ That Col. John Glover take such effectual 
methods for the prevention of such intelligence being carried 
on board the Lively ship of war. Captain Bishop, com- 
mander, now lying in the harbor of Marblehead, or any 
other, as may have a tendency to injure the most important 

1 Austin's Life of Gerry. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 115 

cause we are engaged in ; and tliat he take such effectual 
methods for carrying this order into execution as shall ap- 
pear best calculated to effect this purpose." 

During the month of May, the disturbed condition of 
public affairs caused great commotion throughout the town. 
Press-gangs prowled about the streets, seeking to impress 
seamen for the royal navy. An attack from the gunboat in 
the harbor, whose officers and men were irritated almost be- 
yond endurance by the successful resistance of the citizens 
to their arbitrary measures, was considered as not unlikely 
to occur. This, together with the unprotected position of 
the harbor, led many of the inhabitants to remove their 
famihes to places not so dangerously exposed. On the 21st, 
the artillery company, commanded by Capt. Samuel II. Tre- 
vett, marched to the " Old Meeting House," where a sermon 
was delivered by the Rev. INIr. Whitwell. The next day, 
recruiting officers marched about the town with drums and 
fifes, enlisting recruits for the Continental army. 

On the 30th, the inhabitants were alarmed by a report 
that British soldiers were landing at the Ferry. The 
regiment, led by the intrepid Glover, " turned out " and 
promptly marched to the scene of action ; but the report 
proved to be false. 

The next day the frigate Lively sailed for Boston, and 
her place was taken by the sloop of war Merlin. A few days 
after the arrival of this ship, a merchant vessel from the 
West Indies, belonging to Colonel Glover, arrived in the 
harbor. The commander of the Merlin sent an officer on 
board to order the captain to anchor his vessel near the 
ship ; but the vigilant owner had boarded her before him, 
and disregarding the imperative commands of the officer 
and the threatening guns of the ship, had his vessel brought 
" directly in to Gerry's Wharf." Crowds of people were 
gathered along the wharves and headlands, expecting that 
the schooner would be fired into by the INIerlin ; but the 
angry commander, knowing that the citizens were deter- 



116 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

mined to defend the owner at all hazards, wisely refrained 
from an act which must have resulted disastrously to him- 
self and his men. 

In the mean time, the term for which the delegates to the 
Provincial Congress had been elected having expired, a town 
meeting was held, and Azor Orne, Elbridge Gerry, Jonathan 
Glover, and Joshua Orne, were chosen to attend the Con- 
gress soon to assemble at Watertown. Two days later, an- 
other meeting was held, and the citizens, anxious to provide 
for the comfort of those who were soon to go forth to fight 
the battles of their country, authorized the selectmen to 
provide blankets and such other articles as were needed by 
those who had enlisted in the Provincial service. 

On the 10th of June, Colonel Glover received orders from 
the Provincial Committee of Safety, " to continue the Reg- 
iment under his command at Marblehead, until further or- 
ders ; and to hold them in readiness to march at a moment's 
warning to any post where he may be directed." 

At the same time, a report was made to the Congress by 
the committee on military affairs, that " Colonel Glover had 
levied ten companies, making in the whole four hundred 
and five men, inclusive of officers ;. and about thVee quarters 
of said number are armed with effective fire-locks, who are 
willing and choose to serve in the army under him, all now 
at Marblehead." The committee further reported that, in 
their " opinion, the safety of the country, and the promoting 
the public service, make it highly necessary and expedient 
that Colonels John Glover, David Brewer, Woodbridge Lit- 
tle, and Jonathan Brewer, be without any delay commis- 
sioned as Chief Colonels in the army, and that their field- 
officers, captains, and subalterns be also commissioned as 
soon as the list of them can be settled." 

Accordingly, on the 16th of June, Colonel Glover ap- 
peared before Congress and was sworn and commissioned as 
commander of the Twenty-first Regiment. 

Havino: been stationed at Marblehead " until further or- 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 117 

ders," the brave seamen of the marine regiment were de- 
prived of an opportunity to distinguish themselves at the 
Battle of Bunker Hill, which took place on the 17th of June. 
But there were other sons of Marblehead who participated 
in that memorable engagement and fought like heroes in 
defense of their country. The company of artillery under 
command of Capt. Samuel R. Trevett, forming a part of 
Colonel Gridley's regiment, arrived on the field in season to 
engage in the latter part of the action. Captain Trevett 
lost a small four-pound cannon in the action, but made up 
for his loss by capturing two of a larger size from the 
British, the only cannon captured by the Americans. Two 
men of the Marblehead company were killed, and three 
were wounded. Of the killed, one was William Nutting ; 
and of the wounded, one was the intrepid Robert Worm- 
stead, who was struck in the shoulder by the fragments of a 
bursting shell. He narrowly escaped having his head blown 
from his shoulders, the fate which befell a companion whom 
he was assisting from the battle-field. 

On the 21st of June, Colonel Glover received orders to 
proceed with his regiment and report to General Ward at 
Cambridge. A general muster was held, and the regiment, 
fully armed and equipped, made an imposing appearance as 
it marched through the town. Every officer, soldier, and 
musician, in the entire regiment of ten companies, were citi- 
zens of Marblehead, except one captain and seven privates. 
The officers, chosen some months before, were as follows : — 

Colonel^ John Glover. 
Lieutenant-colonel^ John Gerry. 
Major^ Gabriel Johonnet.^ 
Adjutant, William Gibbs. 
Surgeon, Nathaniel Bond. 
Surgeon's Mate, Nathaniel Harrington. 
Quartermaster, Joseph Stacey. 

1 William R. Lee afterwards became Major, and Gabriel Johonnet Lieu- 
tenant-colonel. 



118 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

The uniform of the regiment consisted of a bkie round 
jacket and trousers, trimmed with leather buttons ; and 
Colonel Glover was said to be the most finely dressed offi- 
cer of the arm}' at Cambridge. 

During the months of August and September the citizens 
of Marblehead busied themselves in fortifying and making 
pre23arations for the defense of the town. The fort was re- 
paired, and one hundred men were employed for seven days, 
" Sundays not excepted," to complete the breastworks. 
The cost to the town for carriages, planks, and other mate- 
rials, was thirty-two pounds, " exclusive of donations " from 
the citizens, which were very liberal. 

The sloop of war Merlin remained in the harbor during 
the entire summer, stopping fishing-boats as they passed, 
and searching the merchant vessels as they arrived in the 
harbor. One schooner, however, which arrived from New 
Providence, was seized during the night and taken around 
into Salem Harbor, where she was anchored in safety near 
the " Ferry Shore." • 

As no arrangements had been made for fitting out a naval 
armament, and as the army at Cambridge was greatly embar- 
rassed by the scarcity of ammunition, General Washington, 
who had assumed command, was instructed by Congress,^ to 
intercept and capture two English transports which were 
bound to Quebec with ammunition and military stores for 
the British army. Accordingly, Nicholas Broughton and 
John Selman, both captains in Glover's regiment, were or- 
dered to take command of a detachment of the army, and 
proceed at once on board the schooners Lynch and Frank- 
lin, then lying in Beverly Harbor. Their instructions were 
issued on the 16th of October. On the 21st, having fitted 
their vessels for sea, — the Lynch with six guns and the 
Franklin with four, — they sailed on the first naval expedi- 
tion of the war. Each commander took his own company 
for a crew, and Broughton, as Commodore, hoisted his broad 
"pendant on board the Lynch." 

1 Auslin''s Life of Gerry. Correspondence of John Adams. 



OF MAEBLEHEAD. 119 

After a long passage, being detained by adverse winds 
and weather, they reached the river St. Lawrence, but found 
that the transport for which they were in search had es- 
caped. They, however, captured ten other vessels as prizes, 
and hearing that the authorities on the Island of St. John's 
were raising recruits for the British army, the zealous com- 
manders, thinking to do essential service to their country, 
landed their troops on the island, besieged a fort, and de- 
tained and brought off the Governor (Wright) and Judge 
Colbeck as prisoners of war. In December the expedition 
returned, when, much to their astonishment, the two naval 
officers were severely reprimanded by the commander-in- 
chief, for exceeding their instructions, and the prisoners 
and prizes were released. It was the desire of Congi-ess to 
adopt a conciliatory policy towards the Northern Provinces, 
and Washington feai-ed that this hasty action of the brave 
but ovei-zealous seamen would cause a rupture of the friendly 
relations existing between these colonies which might be 
fraught with serious consequences. 

In the mean time the Legislature of Massachusetts had 
passed an act authorizing the fitting out of armed vessels 
" to protect the sea-coast," and to cut off the supplies in- 
tended for the British army. This act, which was adopted 
on the 15th of November, was due chiefly to the efforts of 
Elbridge Gerry, one of the representatives from INIarble- 
head, by whom the preamble was drawn up. The first 
vessel to put to sea under this arrangement was the 
schooner Lee, commanded by Capt. John Manly, of Marble- 
head. On the 29th of November he fell in with the brig 
Nancy, a vessel of 250 tons burden, bound to Boston with 
military stores, which he captured, and sent in to Glouces- 
ter Harbor. Her cargo consisted of several brass field- 
pieces, 2,000 stand of arms, 100,000 flints, 32 tons of lead, 
a large quantity of ammunition, and a thirteen-inch brass 
mortar, besides a complete assortment of tools, utensils, 
and machines, necessary for military operations. Manly's 



120 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

schooner -sailed under the Pine Tree Flag of Massachusetts, 
and this was the first naval victory in which the British 
flag was struck to American colors.^ The prize was of in- 
estimable value to Washington, and the ordnance stores 
and field-pieces were at once forwarded to the army at 
Cambridge. 

On the 8th of December, Captain Manly captured two 
other vessels within full sight of the British fleet in Boston 
Harbor. After a brief engagement with an English armed 
schooner, he succeeded in taking his prizes into Plymouth. 
On leaving this port, he was chased into Scituate River by 
the British sloop of war Falcon, Captain Lendzee, which 
had been sent out to seize him. Manly ran his brig ashore. 
After a desperate engagement, during which the British ves- 
sel fired more than three hundred guns, an attempt was 
made to board the brig by men in barges. They were re- 
pulsed, however, and the British commander was at length 
obliged to retire from the contest, having lost more than half 
his men. Captain Manly succeeded in getting his vessel off 
without much damage, and in a short time she was again 
refitted for sea. 

/ The opening of the year 1776 found the people of INIar- 
blehead suffering extreme hardship from the effects of the 
war. On the 8th of January a town meeting was held to 
consider the distressed and " truly miserable condition of 
the poor at the Work-house," and the selectmen were au- 
thorized to hire the sum of ,£200 for their relief. A few 
months before, the poor people of the town had been recom- 
mended to cut turf and dig roots of trees in the swamps, for 
fuel. 

At the annual March meeting, the Committee of Safety 
was increased to nineteen persons, and, two months later, 

1 " Philadelphia is now boasting that Paul Jones has asserted in his journal 
that ' this hand hoisted the first American flag ; ' and Captain Barry has said 
that the first British flag was struck to him. Now I assort that the first Ameri- 
can flag ivas hoisted by John Manly, and the first British fiag ivas struck to him." 
Correspondence of John Adams. Austin's Life of Gerry, p. 100. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 121 

Azor Orne, Elbridge Gerry, Jonathan Glover, Thomas 
Gerry, and Joshua Orne were elected to represent the town 
in the General Court. 

Early in the month of May, James Mugfoixl, a young 
man who had previously sailed as the master of a merchant 
vessel, applied to General AVard for permission to fit out the 
Continental cruiser Franklin, then lying in ordinary at Bev- 
erly. During the previous year, Mugford had been im- 
pressed into the British service and confined on board a 
gunboat then lying in the harbor. He was soon released, 
howevei-, through the interposition of his wife, who went on 
board the ship and represented to the captain that they had 
been recently married, and that she was dependent uj)on him 
for support. While a prisoner, the young sailor learned 
from the conversation of his captors that a " Powder Ship " 
was soon to sail from England, with ammunition and stores 
for the British array. Immediately upon his release, he 
communicated the important intelligence to the proper au- 
thorities, and requested permission to attempt the capture 
of the transport. After much importunity his request was 
granted. Without delay, the intrepid commander collected 
a crew, and, after fitting his vessel for sea, pushed into the 
Bay. On Friday, the 17th of May, the British ship Hope, 
of three hundred tons, six guns, and seventeen men, hove 
in sight. Notwithstanding tlie fact that a British fleet lay 
at anchor in Nantasket Roads, only a few miles off, and in 
full sight, Mugford at once bore down upon the ship, and 
carried her by boarding. While the crew of the Franklin 
were engaged in taking possession of their prize, the captain 
of the Hope ordered his men to cut the topsail halyard ties, 
with a view to impede the sailing of the ship, and thereby 
give the boats of the squadron time to come up. Mugford, 
sensible of the danger of his situation, threatened the cap- 
tain and all on board with instant death, should the order 
be executed. His resolute manner terrified the crew, and 
they refused to obey the commands of their officers.^ The 
1 Clark's Naval History. 



122 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

prize was taken tlirough Puddiug Point Gut, — a channel 
then but little known, — beyond the range of the guns of 
the British squadron, and arrived safely in Boston Harbor. 
This was the most valuable capture that had been made 
durino; the war. The carofo consisted of one thousand car- 
bines with bayonets, several carriages for field-pieces, fifteen 
hundred barrels of powder, and a most complete assortment 
of artillery implements and pioneer tools. 

Having seen his prize safe in port, the gallant commander 
of the Franklin took a supply of ammunition, and on the 
following Sunday again put to sea. In sailing through Pud- 
ding Point Gut, the same channel through which the prize 
was brought up, the vessel grounded. This being perceived 
by the oflicers on board the ships of the British fleet, four- 
teen boats, manned by two hundred sailors fully armed, were 
sent to capture the unprotected schooner. Mugford, how- 
ever, was prepared to meet them. Waiting until they came 
within range of his guns, he fired, and with such deadly 
effect that two of the boats were immediately sunk. The 
men in the remaining boats now surrounded the schooner 
and attempted to board. Seizing pikes and cutlasses, and 
whatever implements they could obtain, the heroic crew of 
the Franklin fought witli desperation in defense of their 
vessel. Many of the British were shot as soon as the boats 
*came alongside, while others had their hands and fingers cut 
off with sabres, as they laid them on the gunwales of the 
schooner. The brave Mugford, who throughout the conflict 
had been fighting wherever his presence seemed most needed, 
encouraging and animating his men by voice and example, 
was shot through the breast by an officer in one of the boats. 
With the utmost composure, and with that presence of mind 
which ever distinguishes heroes, he called to his lieutenant, 
and exclaimed : " I am a dead man ; dont give %ip the ves- 
sel ; you will he able to heat them off.'' In a few minutes he 
expired. The death of their gallant commander nerved the 
crew of the Franklin to still greater effort, and in a short 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 123 

time the men in the boats were repulsed, and gave up the 
attack. The engagement kisted half an hour. The British 
lost seventy men, while the only person killed on board the 
schooner was its heroic captain. /^ 

With the advancing tide t^ie Franklin floated from the 
soft ground where she had struck, and taking advantage of 
a fresh breeze that had sprung up, the crew brought her in 
safety into" Marblehead Harbor. The news of the capture 
of the powder ship, and of the death of the captain in the 
contest with the boats, had preceded the arrival of the 
schooner, and the wharves and headlands were thronged with 
people, as the victorious seamen sailed up the harbor. 

On the following Wednesday the funeral took place from 
the " New Meeting House," the Rev. Isaac Story officiating 
and conducting the services. Amid the tolling of bells and 
the firing of minute-guns, the body was conveyed to its rest- 
ing-place on the " Old Burying Hill," where a volley was 
fired by the Marblehead Regiment, which did escort duty 
on the occasion. 

During the previous winter Elbridge Gerry took his seat 
as a member of the Continental Congress. As each meas- 
ure of public utility was adopted by Congress, Mr. Gerry 
advised his constituents of its import, and suggested the 
adoption of corresponding measures by the General Court 
of the province he represented. The idea of a complete 
separation from the mother country found in him a warm 
and able advocate. In March he wrote to a friend : " I 
hope nothing will satisfy you short of a determination of 
America to hold her rank in the creation, and give law to 
herself." .... "I sincerely wish you would originate in- 
structions, expressed with decency and firmness, and give 
your sentiments in favor of independency." ^ 

Encouraged by such sentiments as these, openly advocated, 
by men in whom they reposed the utmost confidence, the 
citizens of Marblehead assembled in town meeting on the 

1 Life of Gerry, p. 174. 



124 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

17th of June, the first anniversary of the battle of Banker 
Hill, and declared : " That if the Continental Congress think 
it for the interest of these united colonies to declare them 
Independent of Great Britain, and should publish such dec- 
laration, the inhabitants of this town will support them in 
maintaining such Independence with lives and fortunes." 

The patriotic citizens had not long to wait. Early one 
morning in July, — so runs the tradition, — a horseman rode 
into town, bringing the joyful tidings that independence had 
been declared. The joy of the people knew no bounds. 
The bells of the churches were rung for an entire week, and 
every evening fires were lighted on the hill-tops, in honor of 
the great event. During the excitement occasioned by these 
demonstrations, St. Michael's Church was entered, and the 
royal coat of arms was removed from its place above the 
chancel, while the bell was rung till it cracked, to punish 
some of the communicants for their loj^alist sentiments. 

In a few weeks printed copies of the Declaration of In- 
dependence were received, and Benjamin Boden, the town 
clerk, transcribed the entire document on the records of the 
town. 

As an expedition to Canada was being formed for the 
capture of military stores at Quebec, a town meeting was 
held to adopt measures for raising money and recruits. A 
committee of seven persons was appointed to solicit subscrip- 
tions of money to be used as a bounty for volunteers, and 
on the days when the town was canvassed the church bells 
were rung, and the town crier was sent about to notify the 
inhabitants. The citizens responded generously to this pa- 
triotic appeal, and, after the necessary amount had been j)aid 
for bounties, a balance of over two hundred dollars remained 
in the hands of the committee. This, with the consent of 
the subscribers, was appropriated to the erection of " addi- 
tional fortifications for the defense of the town." 

The year 1777 opened with little encouragement for the 
success of the American army. True, a glorious success had 



OF IIARBLEHEAD. 125 

been achieved at Trenton and Princeton, but the disheart- 
ening faiku'es of the various expeditions North and South, 
and the extreme sufferings to wliich the soldiers in the army 
had been subjected, were rapidly breeding discontent and 
discouragement among the people. On the first of January 
two thousand of the regular ti'oops were entitled to a dis- 
charge, and a general apprehension prevailed that their 
places might not be readily filled. But the people of Mar- 
blehead were not despondent ; and though a large propor- 
tion of the able-bodied citizens were already in the service 
of the colonies, either on land or water, a meeting was held 
early in February for the purpose of enlisting one seventh 
of the remaining male inhabitants " for the defense of the 
American States." An additional bounty was offered for 
volunteers, and in a short time the requisite number was ob- 
tained. 

The treatment to which the loyalists should be subjected 
had been sei'iously discussed by Congress and by the State 
Legislature, and in May the latter body passed an act au- 
thorizing the towns to procure information against those 
who were known to be of an unfriendly disposition towards 
the colonies. A town meeting was accordingly held in 
Marblehead on tlie 26th of May, and Thomas Gerry, Esq., 
was chosen to report the names of all persons who were 
inimical to the American States. The names of seven per- 
sons were reported, among them those of the Rev. Joshua 
Wingate Weeks, the rector of St. Michael's Church, and 
Mr. Woodward Abraham, who conducted the services as a 
lay reader for several years after the close of the war. 

But the zealous inhabitants had taken it upon themselves 
to punish the " Tories " in their own effective manner, and a 
suggestion from the legislature was hardly necessary to in- 
duce them to establish "an inquisition," — the term applied 
by one of the sufferers to the measures of his fellow-citizens. 
Nearly two years before, Thomas Robie, one of the most de- 
fiant of the loyalists in Mai-blehead, had charged an exor- 



126 THE HISTOEY AND TRADITIONS 

bitant price for about twenty half-barrels of powder, pur- 
chased of him by the town, and the indignant citizens voted 
that no interest should be allowed him for the time of the 
town's indebtedness. The ill feehng this engendered con- 
tinued to increase, until Robie and his wife rendered them- 
selves so obnoxious that they were obliged to leave the 
town and take refuge in Kova Scotia. Crowds of people 
collected on the wharf to witness their departure, and many 
irritating remarks were addressed to them concerning their 
Tory principles, and their conduct towards the Whigs. Pro- 
voked beyond endurance by these insulting taunts, Mrs. Ro- 
bie angrily retorted, as she seated herself in the boat that 
was to convey her to the ship : " I hope that I shall live 
to return, find this wicked rebellion crushed, and see the 
streets of Marblehead so deep with rebel blood that a long 
boat might be rowed through them." The effect of this re- 
mark was electrical, and only the sex of the speaker re- 
strained the angry citizens from doing her personal injury. 

But there were other loyalists in Marblehead, who if not 
so demonstrative, were not less sincere in their opinions. 
With fortitude and in silence they bore the taunts and in- 
sults to which they were subjected, honestly believing that 
their friends and neighbors were engaged in a treasonable 
rebellion against their lawful sovereign. One of those upon 
whom the wrath of the citizens fell with especial severity, 
was Mr. Benjamin Marston. He was a graduate of Har- 
vard College, and had for many years been an influential 
citizen in the community, having represented the town in 
the legislature, and held many local offices. In 1774 he 
was one of the addressers of Governor Hutchinson, which 
awakened the distrust of his towns-people. " In the year 
1775, his house was visited by a Marblehead committee, 
who, without any legal authority, entered his doors, broke 
open his desks, embezzled his money and notes, and car- 
ried off his books and accounts. He made his escape from 
the town with difficulty, and remained for some time con- 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 127 

cealed among his friends in the neighborhood of Boston. 
He then went to Halifax, and there engaging in trade, and 
venturing to sea, he was taken prisoner and carried to Plym- 
outh," where he remained until exchanged.^ 

Another of the loyalists who suffered keenly from the dis- 
pleasure of his towns-people, during these exciting times, 
was Mr. Ashley Bowen. He had seen active service in the 
French and Indian War, and was a midshipman on board 
the frigate Pembroke at the siege of Quebec. So indignant 
were the citizens at his steady resolution in defending the 
king, and denouncing the acts of the colonists as treason- 
able, that at one time during the war it was with great 
difficulty that he obtained the necessaries of life. The store- 
keepers were afraid to sell their goods to him for fear of in- 
curring the displeasure of their patrons, and he feared, with 
good reason, that the attempt would be made to starve him 
into submission. In 1778 he made the following entry in 
his journal, which tells its own story : " This is a year of 
trouble to me. I was drafted twice as a soldier, and taken 
by Nathan Brown before old Ward on ye 25 of March. 
Then they trained with me so much that they would have 
me to get bondsmen for me not to speak nor look, nor deny 
them my money when drafted. As I would not get bonds- 
men, it was determined to send me on board the Guard 
Ship at Boston." Fortunately for Mr. Bowen he met with 
an old friend, the captain of a merchant vessel, with whom 
he shipped as mate, and so, as the journal expresses it, 
" was taken out of their way." 

Whatever else may be said of the loyalists of Marble- 
head, it cannot be said that they were cowardly. They 
were sincere in their convictions, and had the courage to 
declare them in defiance of an overwhelming public senti- 
ment in opposition. To do this, required a strength of 
character such as is seldom exhibited except by heroes in 
times of public peril. They were actuated by no mercenary 

1 Memoir of the Marston Family, by John Lee Watson. 



128 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

motives. Estranged from friends and kindred, liable at any 
moment to be imprisoned or to have their property confis- 
cated, many were obliged to leave the home of their child- 
hood, and seek a residence among strangers. Time has 
removed the prejudice, the last actor in the great drama has 
long since passed from earth, and to-day, though the im- 
partial reader of history may not indorse the sentiments, 
nor applaud the acts of the zealous loyalists, he will find 
much to admire in their evident sincerity, and the forti- 
tude with which they encountered danger and endured ad- 
versity. 

During the spring of 1777 the small-pox again broke out 
in town. The usual precautionary measures were adopted, 
and the town crier was sent about to warn the inhabitants 
"not to attempt to inoculate themselves or their families." 
One of the citizens, however, inoculated his wife and child 
for the disease, contrary to the wishes of the town. A town 
meeting was called to consider the matter, and it was voted 
that " the whole town or the inhabitants now assembled, be 
a committee to wait upon " the gentleman, " and ascertain 
whether his wife and child have been inoculated or not." 
A building was erected in the " Middle Division " for the 
treatment of patients, and a general inoculation was or- 
dered. The services of the celebrated Dr. Jackson were 
again obtained, and in a short time the town was reported 
cleansed from the disease. 

The hardships and sufferings to which the people were 
subjected during the summer months were severe in the 
extreme. Many of the soldiers in the army had been paid 
for their services in depreciated Continental notes, which 
passed for less than half their face value, while others had 
not been paid at all. As a consequence, their families at 
home were deprived of many of the necessaries of life, and 
tlie town was obliged to adopt measures for their relief. 
The family of each soldier was allowed to draw provisions 
to the amount of half the wages due him, and for a time the 
distress was alleviated. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 129 

Articles of Confederation and perpetual Union having 
been proposed by the Continental Congress, a town meeting 
was held on the 26th of January, 1778, and the unanimous 
vote of the citizens was cast in favor of accepting them. 
During the winter the legislature framed a State Constitu- 
tion, which was submitted to the people, and in June the 
citizens of Marblehead voted unanimously against it. 

The term of enlistment of many of the soldiers in the 
army having expired, the legislature voted on the 1st of 
May to raise two thousand men for a service of eight or nine 
months, and apportioned the number upon the towns. Ar- 
dent and spirited appeals were made to the people, and, as 
usual, the reply of Marblehead was prompt and decisive. 
Three days after, a town meeting was held, and the sum of 
twenty-five hundred and fifty-two pounds was appropriated 
" to pay the bounty due the Guards at Winter Hill, and to 
raise thirty-four more men to serve in the Continental 
Army." 

Though the citizens had assented willingly to the numer- 
ous assessments made upon them for war purposes, the col- 
lectors, in many instances, were unable to obtain the full 
amount of the tax levied by the town. The patriotic town 
treasurer, Jonathan Glover, supplied the deficiency from 
time to time with private funds of his own, rather than the 
town should be delinquent, and interest was allowed him for 
the use of the money. 

The financial embarrassment of the country, and the de- 
preciated state of the currency, led the people during the 
following year to adopt measures for the prevention of ex- 
tortion, and for the regulation of the prices to be charged by 
dealers and mechanics. " Any person guilty of buying or 
selling silver or gold, or demanding gold for rent or other- 
wise," was to be deemed an enemy of the country, and 
treated accordingly. The price of wood was regulated at 
eighteen pounds per cord, and candles at eighteen shillings 
a pound. " Best made men's shoes were to be eight pounds 
9 



130 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

a pair," and other shoes in proportion. Farriers, for shoe- 
ing horses all round, were to receive six pounds, and for 
shifth]g a single shoe, fifteen shillings. A committee of forty 
persons was chosen to detect any violation of these regula- 
tions, with instructions to deal summarily with every of- 
fender. 

As the ships of the British navy were cruising about the 
bay, the towns along the coast were in great danger of being 
attacked at any moment. Active preparations were accord- 
ingly made during the summer for the defense of the town. 
Fortifications were erected on Bartoll's Head, and on Twes- 
den's Hill, and guards were stationed at various points along 
the shore. 

The new State Constitution proposed by the legislature 
having been rejected by the people, a convention of dele- 
gates from each town was called to meet at Cambridge on 
the 28th of October, for the purpose of forming another. 
On the 30th of September, Azor Orne, Joshua Orne, Thomas 
Gerry, and Jonathan Glover, were elected delegates from 
Marblehead. The instrument framed by this convention 
was ratified by the people, and on the 22d of May, 1780, 
the vote of Marblehead was cast in favor of its adoption. 

During the summer of 1779 the British letter of marque 
Thorn, a ship of five hundred tons, and mounting eighteen 
guns, was captured by Captain Tucker and sent into Bos- 
ton. On her arrival she was purchased by a party of gen- 
tlemen, among them Col. William R. Lee, of Marblehead, 
by whom she was again fitted out as a letter of marque. 
Having returned late in the autumn from a remarkably suc- 
cessful voyage to France, it was decided not to fit out the 
Thorn for another voyage until the following spring. 

Towards the close of the winter of 1780, information was 
received, by means of a letter which had fallen into the 
wrong hands by mis-direction, that an expedition was fit- 
ting out in Halifax, and would soon sail for Marblehead to 
capture the Thorn. If she could not be got out of the har- 



OF MARBLEHEAD. • 131 

bor, the intention was to burn her. The owners, thus placed 
on their guard, had the ship taken immediately into Salem 
Harbor, where she would be more secure and less liable to 
surprise. It was afterwards ascertained that two persons, 
each of whom had a fishing schooner captured and taken 
into Halifax, had been down there to obtain the release of 
their vessels, and that their request had been granted upon 
condition that one of them should be used for secretly trans- 
porting the men who were to take or destroy the Thorn. 
The letter was intended for the owner of one of these ves- 
sels. On the night of the very day that the ship was taken 
into Salem Harbor, the schooner arrived. in Marblehead, 
having several officers, and sixty men secreted in her hold. 
Finding that their prize had escaped them, the Englishmen 
were landed late in the night at the extreme southern end of 
the town, and were conducted to the house of a Tory friend, 
where they were secreted for several days, until they could 
be privately returned to Halifax. But, though the landing 
was conducted in silence, and with the utmost precaution 
against discover}^, it was not unobserved. A young fisher- 
man was walking out with the girl to whom he was engaged, 
and having reached the upper end of the harbor, they saw 
a large number of armed men landing in boats from a 
schooner. Surprised at this unusual proceeding, the lovers 
had barely time to conceal themselves beneath some fish 
flakes on the rising ground near by, when the entire body of 
men passed by them. They were discovered, however, by 
one of the officers, and it was proposed to kill them at once, 
to prevent their giving information. Fearing that an outcry 
would be made, which would cause a search to be instituted, 
thereby rendering an escape impossible, the Englishmen 
abandoned the idea of murdering their prisoners, and re- 
leased them, but not before a solemn promise had been 
exacted from them, under threats of instant death, that what 
they had seen and heard should not be revealed for at least 
three days. On the night of the second day the British 
were sent off by the aid of their Tory friends. 



132 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

The owners of the Thorn, though possessmg exact infor- 
mation as to the British s^'mpathizers and Tories who were 
engaged in the nefarious scheme, refrained from making 
known their names or giving information to the authorities, 
as the guilty parties were respectably connected, and such 
action would only bring distress and sorrow upon their fam- 
ilies.^ 

On the 19th of May occurred the famous "dark day," 
which caused great alarm throughout New England. At 
Marblehead the morning was cloudy, and as the day ad- 
vanced the darkness increased in intensity. At noon the 
darkness was so great that artificial lights were used in the 
houses, and the birds and beasts of all kinds retired to their 
places of rest. In some families the noonday repast was 
omitted, and the time was piously devoted to prayer. To- 
wards night, however, it grew lighter. Various causes were 
assigned for this 'startling phenomena by the terror-stricken 
inhabitants, and though there was a diversity of opinion, all 
agreed that it was an omen of ill. By some it was thought 
to be a warning that the end of the world was drawing 
near, while others saw in it the displeasure of Heaven with 
the cause for which the colonists were struggling. By the 
learned and more intelligent portion of the community, who 
investigated the matter, it was afterwards generally attrib- 
uted to a " thick smoke which had been accumulating for 
several days, occasioned by the burning of large tracts of 
woodland in the northern part of New Hampshire, where 
the people were forming new settlements." 

Though the condition of national affairs was far from en- 
couraging, the patriotic citizens were determined that noth- 
ing should be left undone by which the war could be brought 
to a successful termination. On the 15th of June the sum 
of forty thousand pounds was appropriated to hire twenty- 
four men to reenforce the Continental army ; and a few days 
later one hundred bushels of corn, one hundred hard dollars, 
1 Manuscript Life of Colonel W. R. Lee. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 133 

or tlie equivalent of either in provisions, were offered to 
every man vybo would enlist in the army for six months. At 
the same time a committee was chosen to solicit subscrip- 
tions of cash (in specie), or provisions, to be used as a 
bounty in raising recruits. 

The first election after the adoption of the new Constitu- 
tion was held on the 4th of September. The meeting was 
opened with prayer by the Rev. Isaac Story. Sixty-six votes 
were cast for governor, sixty-three of which were for the 
Hon. John Hancock, the remaining three being cast for the 
Hon. James Bowdoin. For lieutenant-governor sixty-two 
votes were cast, all of which were for the Hon. Benjamin 
Lincoln. For senators, Azor Orne, Elbridge Gerry, and 
Samuel Holton received fifty votes each, and Jonathan Jack- 
son, Tristram Dalton, and John Pickering, forty-nine each. 

The attention of the people having been called to the suf- 
fering and distress to which the soldiers in the army were 
subjected for the want of clothing and provisions, measures 
were at once adopted by the town for furnishing stockings, 
shoes, and blankets, and for forwarding supplies. Subscrip- 
tions were solicited for the purpose of purchasing beef and 
and other provisions, and those who were unable to contrib- 
ute money were requested to " loan their notes." 

During the entire trying period of the war the people of 
Marblehead had submitted with becoming fortitude and res- 
ignation to the inevitable deprivations and distress incident 
to the struggle. " Houses, stores, and fish fences " were 
necessarily demolished and used for fuel ; and in November, 
1780, a committee was appointed " to estimate the value of 
those used since the beginning of the war. The whole num- 
ber of men in town at this time was reported to be 831, of 
whom 477 were unemployed or out of business. There were 
166 in captivity, and 121 were missing. The whole number 
of women was 1,069, of whom 378 were widows, and of 2,242 
children, 672 were fatherless. Eight years before, the num- 
ber of ratable polls was 1,202, while at this time there were 



134 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

but 544. At the beginning of the war there were 12,313 
tons of shipping " owned, employed, and manned " by the 
citizens of Marblehead, while at its close the entire amount 
owned in the town was but 1,509 tons. 

In the autumn of 1780 a committee of the legislature 
visited the town, and upon their report of the great sacri- 
fices already made by the inhabitants, two thirds of the tax 
levied upon them for beef, currency, and specie was abated. 
A similar reduction was made in the town's proportion of 
men required to reenforce the array. 

With so large a proportion of the citizens already in the 
service, great difficulty was experienced in raising recruits, 
and in December the town voted to sell about four acres of 
land known as "Bubier's Plain," for the purpose of obtain- 
ing money to be used as a bounty for volunteers. This land, 
which is in the vicinity of the road to the Neck, was sold at 
public auction during the following month (January, 1781), 
and was purchased by Mr. John Sparhawk, the amount real- 
ized from the sale being X217 18 s. The money thus ob- 
tained was at once forwarded to General Glover, at West 
Point, with a request that it be used " in hiring men to serve 
on the quota of the town." It being impracticable to obtain 
the men at West Point, General Glover returned the money, 
and, as a last resort, the town voted to classify the male in- 
habitants, requiring each class to furnish an able-bodied man, 
or, as a penalty, to pay double the amount necessary for pro- 
viding a substitute. 

For several years the public school had been taught by 
Mr. Peter Jayne. The appropriations made by the town 
from time to time, for the payment of his salary, appear to 
have been insufficient for the support of his family, and he 
was finally granted the sum of .£1,600 iu paper money, for 
six months' service. Even this, he complained, was not 
enough to prevent him " from being troublesome to his 
friends for a living," and in March, 1781, he was allowed a 
salary of X70 hard money per annum. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 135 

Shortly after, during the same month, Joshua Orne, 
"William R. Lee, the Rev. Wm. Whitwell, the Rev. Isaac 
Story, and Samuel Sewall, were elected trustees of the pub- 
lic schools. They were authorized to employ a school- 
master qualified to teach " the English, Latin, and Greek 
languages, writing, and arithmetic," at a salary not exceed- 
ing £ 80 in specie. 

The signal success of American arms during the year 
1781, culminating in the surrender of Cornwallis and his 
army at Yorktown on the 19th of October, excited the ut- 
most joy and exultation in Marblehead. Nowhere in the 
country had such sacrifices been made as those to which this 
people had uncomplainingly submitted. Nowhere was the 
dawn of peace more heartily welcomed. Their commerce 
was ruined ; many who had been wealthy before the war 
were reduced to poverty, and the blood of their sons had 
been poured out like water. But there was no complaint. 
No sorrowing now, even for those who would not return. 
Only joy that the great struggle was ended, and the Inde- 
pendence for which they fought had been achieved. 

One of the most important measures claiming the atten- 
tion of the town during the years which followed before the 
formal declaration of peace, was the liquidation of the debt 
due Jonathan Glover, the public-spirited town-treasurer. 
The amount of the debt was over £1,153. An attempt 
was made to obtain a loan of the necessary amount from 
the citizens, but only X21 could be procured, fifteen from 
Samuel Sewall, Esq., and six from Mr. Seward Brimble- 
come, Jr. At length, despairing of obtaining money by 
any other method, the citizens voted to sell a wharf and 
store belonging to the town, which had been improved a 
few years before by Robert Hooper, Esq. The sum of 
<£800 was realized by this transaction, and the purchaser 
was granted permission to widen or extend the wharf. 

The measure known as the "Warden Act," which had 
been adopted by the legislature during the winter of 1783, 



136 THE HISTORY AJS'D TRADITIONS 

"for making more effectual provision for the due observance 
of the Lord's Day " was strenuously opposed by the citizens 
of Marblehead. On the 17th of March a town meeting was 
held, and the act was denounced as containing " unnecessary 
restrictions of the liberties of the people, and opposed to the 
principles of the constitution." A committee was chosen to 
draw up a vote of disapprobation ; and the town voted to 
comply with the law, " as a non-observance may have a 
tendency to pi'omote contempt of the laws of the State." 
Notice was given, however, that the representatives would 
be instructed to remonstrate against it. 

The exciting events of the month of April, 1783, will be 
forever memorable in the history of Marblehead. Though 
composed almost entirely of wooden buildings, the town had 
hitherto been remarkably fortunate in its exemption from 
fire and other destroying elements. On Tuesday, April 22, 
a fire broke out in a barn belonging to the estate of Capt. 
John Nutt, which, with a barn adjoining, was soon reduced 
to ashes. In a short time the flames were communicated to 
fifteen other buildings, and a general conflagration of the 
entire township seemed imminent. Fortunately the build- 
ings were in the immediate vicinity of the harbor, and a 
supply of water was easily obtained. " To this," says one 
of the newspapers of the day in its account of the affair, 
" together with the uncommon activity, zeal and forward- 
ness of the inhabitants, in the face of the greatest danger, it 
is owing, under God, that the town is still entir6 and com- 
pact together, without awful wastes and breaches in the 
midst thereof. No town, perhaps, on the continent, equally 
populous, can boast of so large a share in the divine protec- 
tion. None of the inhabitants, from its foundation to this 
day, liave been turned out by the devouring flames to seek a 
shelter." 

Upon the publication of the preliminaries of peace, many 
of the refugees were glad to avail themselves of the oppor- 
tunity to return to their former homes in America. During 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 137 

the month of Aj^ril, the town was thrown into a state of the 
greatest excitement by the return of Stephen BUmey, one 
of the most objectionable of the loyalists who had left 
IMarblehead. Rumors were prevalent that other refugees 
were also about to return, and on the 24tli of April a town 
meeting was held to consider the matter. Resolutions 
severely condemning the acts of the loyalists were adopted, 
and a committee of twenty-one persons was chosen to take 
measures to prevent their return. All refugees who made 
their appearance in town were to be given six hours' notice 
to leave, and any wdio remained beyond that time were to 
be " taken into custody and shipped to the nearest port of 
Great Britain." 

Late one afternoon, shortly after this action of the town, 
a vessel from the provinces arrived in the harbor. It was 
soon ascertained that the detested Robie family were on 
board, and, as the news spread through the town, the 
wharves were crowded with angry citizens threatening ven- 
geance upon them should they attempt to land. The 
dreadful wish uttered by Mrs. Robie at her departure still 
rankled in the minds of the people, and as their thoughts 
reverted to the many sons of Marblehead whose blood had 
been shed in the struggle for liberty, they realized how 
nearly it had been fulfilled. Enraged by these reflections, 
the crowd determined to give the Robie's a " significant re- 
ception " on the following day. So great was the excite- 
ment, that it was feared by many of the influential citizens 
that the unfortunate exiles might be injured, and perhaps 
lose their lives at the hands of the infuriated populace. 
During the night, however, a party of gentlemen went on 
board the schooner and removed them to a place of safety. 
They were landed in a distant part of the town and se- 
creted for several days in a house belonging to one of the 
gentlemen. In the mean time urgent appeals were made 
to the magnanimity of the people, and the excitement sub- 
sided. 



138 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

The restoration of peace to the United States was hailed 
throughout the land with every demonstration of joy, and 
nowhere with more hearty enthusiasm than at Marblehead. 
On the 29th of Ajjril a grand celebration took place in 
honor of the great event. The day was ushered in by the 
ringing of bells, and a federal salute from the battery at the 
fort. At noon, the bells were accompanied by salutes from 
artillery on Training Field Hill. At two o'clock P. M., a 
large number of the most prominent citizens, together with 
invited guests from other towns, assembled " at the Coffee 
House, and partook of a genteel entertainment." After 
dinner, toasts were drank, with a discharge of thirteen can- 
non after each toast. Nor were the people in general for- 
gotten. An ox, which had been previously provided and 
cooked, was sent to the town house, where a sumptuous 
dinner was served. A large vessel filled with liquor, " rum 
punch," the tradition has it, was placed in front of the 
building, and the beverage was freely dispensed to all who 
chose to imbibe, the vessel being duly replenished through- 
out the day. In the evening many of the houses were 
brilliantly illuminated, and a beacon which had been erected 
at the beginning of hostilities was surrounded with combus- 
tibles and converted into a bonfire. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 139 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Our narrative now returns to the Marblehead regiment. 
While the events related in the last chapter were transpir- 
ing in Marblehead and elsewhere, the brave men of this 
efficient corps were winning unfading laurels by their val- 
orous achievements in the service of their country. 

The regiment left Marblehead on the 22d of June, 1775, 
and at once reported to General Ward, then in command of 
the army at Cambridge. The American army at this time 
consisted of about seventeen thousand men, though but four- 
teen thousand were available for active service. Of these 
the regiments of New Hampshire and Rhode Island, with a 
part of the troops from Connecticut, were encamped at 
IMystic, and on Winter and Prospect Hills. The Massa- 
chusetts regiments, with a part of those from Connecticut, 
were stationed at Cambridge and on the high grounds of 
Roxbury. 

At the same time the main body of the British army was 
encamped on Bunker Hill, and for days had been actively 
engaged in throwing up intrenchments. The remainder of 
the army, except the cavalry and a few other corps stationed 
in Boston, was on the neck of land between Boston and 
Roxbury, which had been strongly fortified. 

The American army was so posted as to form a complete 
line of siege around Boston and Charlestown, extending 
nearly twelve miles, from Mystic River to Dorchester. In- 
trenchments and redoubts had been thrown up at different 
points along this line, and these works were still in prog- 
ress. 

Such was the state of affairs when on the 3d of July 



140 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

General Washington assumed command of the army. On 
the afternoon of the same day, the first order issued by the 
Commander-in-chief assigned a special duty to Glover's ^ 
regiment, as follows : — 

" It is ordered that Colonel Glover's regiment be ready 
this evening with all their accoutrements to march at a 
moment's warning to support General Folsom of the New 
Hampshire forces in case his lines should be attacked. It is 
also ordered that Colonel Prescott's regiment equip them- 
selves to march this evening and take possession of the 
woods leading to Lechemere's Point, and in case of attack 
there, Colonel Glover's regiment is to march immediately to 
their support." 

During the summer, the regiment was engaged in the 
usual routine of camp duty, its oflicers being frequently sta- 
tioned as commanders of the main guard, on the most im- 
portant outposts. The colonel is frequently mentioned in 
the orderly books as the president of courts-martial held for 
the trial of petty offenders. 

Early in October, Colonel Glover was appointed by Gen- 
eral Washington to superintend the equipment and manning 
of armed vessels, for the service of the colonies. Through 
his agency, the expedition to the St. Lawrence River, under 
Captains Broughton and Selman, and the privateer Lee, un- 
der command of Captain Manly, had been fitted out. An 
account of the exploits of these cruisers has been given in 
the preceding chapter. 

1 John Glover was born in Salem, November 5, 1 732. Early iu life he removed 
with his three brothers to Marblehead. For some years his occupation was 
that of a shoemaker ; but afterwards engaging in the fishing business and other 
mercantile pursuits, he became a successful merchant and amassed a fortune. 
In 1754 he married Hannah Gale, of Marblehead. His military experience 
previous to the breaking out of the Revolution was obtained by service in the 
militia of the province. In 1759 he was an ensign in a company commanded 
by Capt. Richard Reed, then, in 1762, a lieutenant in Capt. Azor Orne's 
company, and finally, in 1773, he became captain of a company in the regiment 
commanded by Col. Jacob Fowle, of Marblehead. His subsequent career 
can be easily followed in these pages. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 141 

On the 27tli of November, " a long, lumbering train of 
wagons, laden with ordnance and military stoi-es, and deco- 
rated with flags, came wheeling into the camp " at Cam- 
bridge, " escorted by Continental troops and country militia. 
They were part of the cargo of a large brigantine laden with 
munitions of war captured and sent into Cape Ann by the 
schooner Lee, Captain Manly, one of the cruisers sent out 
by Washington." " Such universal joy ran through the 
whole camp," writes an officer, " as if each one grasped a 
victory in his own hands." " Surely, nothing," writes 
Washington, " ever came more apropos^ 

" It was indeed a charming incident, and was eagerly 
turned to account. Among the ordnance was a huge brass 
mortar of a new construction, weighing near three thousand 
pounds. It was considered a glorious trophy, and there was 
a resolve to christen it, Mifflin, Washington's secretary, 
suggested the name. The mortar was fixed in a bed ; old 
Putnam mounted it, dashed on it a bottle of rum, and gave 
it the name of Congress. The shouts which rent the air 
were heard in Boston. When the meaning of them was 
explained to the British, they observed that, ' should their 
expected reenforcements arrive in time, the rebels would 
pay dear in the spring for all their petty triumphs.' " ^ 

Shortly after this event, an affair occurred in the camp in 
which the Marblehead regiment figured rather prominently. 
It seems that a " large party of Virginia riflemen, who had 
recently arrived in camp, were strolling about Cambridge 
and viewing the collegiate buildings, now turned into bar- 
racks. Their half-Indian equipments and fringed and ruf- 
fled hunting garbs provoked the merriment of the troops 
from INIarblehead, chiefly fishermen and sailors, who thought 
nothing equal to the round jacket and trousers. A banter- 
ing ensued between them. There was snow upon the 
ground, and snow-balls began to fly when jokes were want- 
ing. The parties waxed warm in the contest. They closed 

1 Irving's Life of Washington, vol. ii., p. 109. 



142 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

and came to blows ; both sides were reenforced, and in a 
little while at least a thousand were at fisticuffs, and there 
was a tumult in the camp worthy of the days of Homer. 
'At this juncture,' writes our informant, 'Washington made 
his appearance, whether by accident or design I never knew. 
I saw none of his aids with him ; his black servant just be- 
hind him, mounted. He threw the bridle of his own horse 
into his servant's hands, sprang from his seat, rushed into the 
thickest of the melee, seized two tall, brawny riflemen by the 
throat, keeping them at arm's-length, talking to and shaking 
them.' " 1 This prompt and energetic action on the part of 
the general quickly put an end to the tumult, and in a few 
moments order was restored throughout the camp. 

On the 19th of December an express arrived at General 
Washington's headquarters from Marblehead, with informa- 
tion that three British ships of war were standing into the 
harbor. Colonel Glover's regiment, with Captain Foster's 
company of artillery and a corps of riflemen, were ordered 
to march with all expedition for the defense of the town. 
As no attempt was made by the enemy to land troops, and 
the squadron having left the coast soon after, the artillery 
and rifle companies returned to camp, and the regiment was 
sent to Beverly for the defense of that town, which was con- 
sidered in imminent danger of attack. 

On the 1st of January, 1776, the regiment was reorgan- 
ized as the Fourteenth Continental regiment, and the term 
of enlistment having expired, nearly every soldier recnlisted 
for the war. 

The British army having evacuated Boston after the bom- 
bardment of that town by the Americans from the heights 
of Dorchester, General Washington at once turned his at- 
tention to the defense of New York. A large body of Brit- 
ish troops, under command of General Howe, had landed 
on Staten Island during the latter part of June, and a fleet 
with reenforcements was daily expected. It being necessary 
1 Memoir of an eye-witness. Irving's Washington, vol. ii. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 143 

to concentrate as large a force as possible in tlie vicinity of 
these operations, Colonel Glover's regiment was ordered, 
with other Massachusetts troops, to proceed at once to New 
York. Glover and his regiment marched from Beverly on 
the 20th of July, and, having arrived at New York on the 
9th of August, were ordered to join General Sullivan's brig- 
ade. 

A few days after the arrival of the regiment on the scene 
of action, two of the captains were detailed to take com- 
mand of fire-ships and proceed up the Hudson River for the 
purpose of destroying the British ships of war stationed at 
Tarrytown. The enterprise was but partially successful, 
however, for, though one of the ships was grappled, the 
hardy seamen failed to set fire to her. A tender belonging 
to another ship was finally burned, and the others soon re- 
treated from the river. " The enterprise was conducted 
with spirit," writes a distinguished author, " and though it 
failed of its object, had an important effect. The com- 
manders of the ships determined to abandon those waters, 
where their boats were fired upon by the very yeomanry 
whenever they attempted to land, and where their ships 
were in danger from midnight incendiaries while riding at 
anchor." 

An account of the disastrous battle of Long Island, which 
occurred on the 27th of August, is not within the province 
of this work. Our history is of Marblehead, and Marble- 
head men alone ; and during that ever memorable contest. 
Colonel Glover's regiment was stationed on New York 
Island. It was not until the battle was over that the brave 
men of that distinguished corps performed the difficult feat 
which saved the American army from total destruction. 

Early on the morning of the 28th of August, the regiment 
crossed over to Long Island and was stationed at an impor- 
tant post on the left of the American army. " Every eye 
brightened as they marched briskly along the line with alert 
step and cheery aspect." On the morning of the 29th, being 



144 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

convinced that the only safety of his army lay in a success- 
ful retreat, General Washington called a council of war. 
The ships of the British fleet were unusually active, and it 
was thought from their movements that they were about to 
enter East River and thereby cut off the only retreat of the 
American army. The Americans had lost nearly two thou- 
sand men, their arms and ammunition were greatly injured 
by the heavy rain which had fallen, and the soldiers were 
sick and dispirited. In view of these discouraging circum- 
stances, the council decided upon a speedy withdrawal of 
the troops. The embarkation was to take place in the 
night, and the preparations were made with the utmost se- 
crecy. During the day orders were issued for the impress- 
ment of all vessels, great and small, found on the Hudson, or 
on the Sound in the vicinity, " and although some of the 
vessels had to be brought a distance of fifteen miles they 
were all at Brooklyn at eight o'clock in the evening." 

Colonel Glover was called upon with his entire regiment 
to take command of the vessels and flat-bottomed boats. 
The colonel went over to Brooklyn with his officers, to 
superintend the embarkation, and at about seven o'clock in 
the evening the officers and men went to w^ork with a spirit 
and resolution peculiar to that brave corps. The militia 
were first sent over; but as they were not so alert and atten- 
tive to order as regular troops, the time was protracted till 
between ten and eleven o'clock, before all of them had been 
removed across the river. INIean while the ebb-tide made, 
and the wind blew strong from the northeast, which, adding 
to the rapidity of the tide, rendered it impossible to effect 
the retreat with the limited number of row-boats at com- 
mand, and put it out of the power of Colonel Glover's men 
to make any use of the sail boats and small vessels. At 
this crisis General M'Dougal, under whose charge the em- 
barkation was conducted, sent Colonel Greyson, one of the 
aids of the Commander-in-chief, to report to him their em- 
barrassed situation ; and that he considered it impracticable 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 145 

to effect a retreat that night. The colonel returned soon 
after, not bemg able to find General Washington. General 
M'Dougal went on with the enibarkation amid all the dis- 
couragements which were presented. But about eleven, the 
wind died away, and soon after sprung up at southwest and 
blew fresh, which rendered the sail-boats of use, and at the 
same time made the passage from the island to the city- 
direct, easy, and expeditious. Providence further interposed 
in favor of the retreating army by sending a thick fog about 
two o'clock in the morning, which hung over Long Island, 
while on New York side it was clear. 

The fog and wind continued to favor the retreat till the 
whole army, 9,000 in number, with all the field artillery, 
such heavy ordnance as was of most value, ammunition, 
provision, cattle, horses, carts, etc., were safe over. The 
water was so remarkably smooth as to admit of the row 
boats being loaded to within a few inches of the gunnel. 
The enemy were so near that they were heard at work with 
their pick-axes and shovels. In about half an hour after 
the lines were finally abandoned, the fog cleared off and the 
British were seen taking possession of the American works. 
Four boats were on the river, three half way over, full of 
troops ; the fourth, within reach of the enemy's fire upon 
the shore, was compelled to return ; she had only three men 
in her, who had tarried behind for plunder. The river is a 
mile across, and yet the retreat was conducted in less than 
thirteen hours, a great part of which time it rained hard. 
Had not the wind shifted, not more than half of the army 
could possibly have crossed, and the remainder, with a num- 
ber of general officers and all the heavy cannon, must in- 
evitably have fallen into the hands of the British.^ 

The retreat was conducted in silence and with the utmost 
precaution against discovery. With muffled oars and steady 
strokes, the hardy seamen of the Marblehead regiment 

1 This is the account of the retreat substantially as related to Gordon, the 
historian, by General Glover himself. See Gordon, ii., 315. 
10 



146 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

rowed with such precision and regularity, that not a sound 
broke upon the stiUness of the night. When the morning 
broke the whole embarkation had been happily effected. 

" This extraordinary retreat," writes Washington Irving, 
" which in its silence and celerity equaled the midnight 
fortifying of Bunker's Hill, was one of the most signal 
achievements of the war, and redounded greatly to the repu- 
tation of Washington." But without the aid of Glover and 
his heroic fishermen from INIarblehead, by whose skill and 
activity the orders of the commander were successfully exe- 
cuted, the retreat would have been impossible. By their 
efforts alone the American army was saved from destruction. 

On the 4th of September Colonel Glover was placed in 
command of General Clinton's brigade, and by his recom- 
mendation Major Wm. R. Lee, of the Marblehead regiment, 
was appointed brigade major. 

The British fleet having entered the harbor of New York, 
it was obvious that General Howe intended to attack the 
city. The American army not being of sufficient force to 
make a successful resistance, measures were immediately 
taken for evacuation. Accordingly, on the 13th of Septem- 
ber, orders were issued for the transportation of the sick to 
hospitals on the Jersey shore, and for sending all the arms 
and military stores out of the city. This arduous duty was 
assigned to Colonel Glover's brigade. 

The work began at nine o'clock on the evening of the 
13th, and by sunrise the next morning all the sick, number- 
ing about five hundred men, were transported in safety across 
the Hudson. On the following day all the tents were struck, 
and these, with the light baggage, were carried beyond 
Kingsbridge in wagons, while most of the heavy baggage 
was removed to the bank of the river and sent. across in 
boats. At about nine o'clock on the night of the 14th, be- 
fore the whole of the baggage had been removed, an alarm 
took place, and Colonel Glover was ordered to march his 
brigade to Harlem to join General M'Dougal. They were 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 147 

thus obliged to leave the baggage of two regiments behind, 
■which afterwards fell into the hands of the enemy. Early 
on the morning of the loth they were directed to advance 
to Kingsbridge, and had just unslung their knapsacks, on 
their arrival, when an express arrived with an account that 
the enemy were landing at Kip's Bay. Upon this they 
marched back without any kind of refreshment, joined five 
other brigades, about 7,000 men, and formed on Harlem 
Plains, having marched twenty-three miles, besides the labor 
of transporting the sick. 

In the mean time three British ships of war ascended the 
Hudson River as high as Blooming Dale. The object of this 
expedition was to divert the attention of the Americans 
while General Clinton was lauding troops at Kip's Bay, 
about three miles from the city of New York. The troops 
landed in two divisions, between Kip's Bay and Turtle Bay, 
the Hessians ni one place and the British in another. The 
American batteries, which began a furious cannonade, were 
soon silenced by the guns of the British frigates. As soon 
as General Washington heard the firing of the men-of-war, 
he rode with all dispatch towards the lines, but, to his great 
mortification, found the troops posted there retreating with 
the utmost precipitation, and the two brigades ordered to 
support them flying in every direction, and in the greatest 
confusion. His attempts to stop them were fruitless, though 
he drew his sword and threatened to run them through, and 
cocked and snapped his pistols. He rode hastily towards 
the enemy till his own person was in danger, hoping to en- 
courage the men by his example ; but all his exertions were 
in vain, for, on the appearance of a small number of the 
enemy, the whole eight regiments fled without firing a single 
shot, leaving the general in a hazardous situation. At this 
juncture Glover's brigade, with the Marblehead and five 
other regiments, appeared upon the scene, having hastened 
down from Harlem Plain to the support of the flying troops. 
The forces were now joined, and the whole marched forward 



148 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

and took post on some heights, when about eight thousand of 
the enemy, as was thought, hove in sight on the next height, 
and halted.^ Though the troops were now desirous of being 
led forward against the British, General Washington would 
not consent. His confidence in the militia was gone, and he 
would place no dependence in them. 

In the mean time. General Putnam, who was in command 
at New York, taking advantage of the temporary inactivity 
of the British, hastily withdrew with about thirty-five hun- 
dred men and a large number of women and children. The 
British officers were loitering at the house of a Quaker near 
hj, refreshing themselves with cakes and wine. They re- 
mained there about two hours, and when their revel was 
over New York had been evacuated. The loss sustained by 
General Putnam during his perilous retreat was fifteen 
killed and about three hundred taken prisoners. 

The skill and intrepidity of Glover and his regiment, in 
saving the ammunition and military stores, won for that 
officer and the brave men under his command the warmest 
encomiums of their superior officers. The interest in Glover 
with which the event inspired General Washington ripened 
into a firm friendship, which lasted until the day of his 
death. 

Colonel Glover, in writing to his mother from Fort Con- 
stitution, under date of October 7, said of the evacuation : 
" Happy for us we began the retreat so timely as we did, 
otherwise the whole that were in the city must have been 
cut off ; for the enemy had landed 18,000 men on that day 
on the east side, about four miles from the city, covered by 
ten sail of men of war, and opjDosite to them on the North 
River came up three large shij)s. The whole kept up a con- 
stant cannonading, with grape-shot and langrage, quite across 
the Island. I lost two men in the retreat, Wormsted Trefry, 
of Marblehead, and Benjamin Rowden of Lynn."^ 

1 Gordon, ii., 326, 327. 

2 Hist. Coll. Essex Institute. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 149 

The American army, after the retreat from the city, was 
encamped on New York Island. Occasional skirmishes took 
place between detachments of the two armies, and finally, 
on the 11th of October, General Howe, with a view of cut- 
ting off the retreat of the Americans, landed the larger por- 
tion of his troops on Frog's Neck, a portion of the main 
land in Westchester County. The American lines were 
now almost entirely surrounded by the British, and on the 
1 6th of October a council of war was called to determine 
the course to be pursued. It was decided that the army 
should leave New York Island, and advance into the country 
so far as to outflank General Howe's columns, but that Fort 
Washington should be retained as long as possible. Two 
thousand men were accordingly left for that purpose. 

The division under the command of Major-general Lin- 
coln crossed Kingsbridge and threw up works at Valentine's 
Hill; the others followed and formed a line of detached 
corps, with intrenchments on the heights, and stretching along 
the west side of the river Bronx to White Plains. 

INIajor-general Lee having been appointed to command 
the troops above Kingsbridge, repaired with his division to 
the scene of operations in that vicinity. Colonel Glover's 
brigade, which formed a portion of the division, was sta- 
tioned on the East Chester road, towards Long Island, to 
watch the movements of the enemy. 

On the 18th the British commander-in-chief, finding that 
General Washington had taken measures for guarding the 
position in the vicinity of Frog's Neck, reembarked several 
corps, and by landing at the mouth of Hutchinson's River, 
secured a passage for the main body which crossed and 
advanced immediately towards Rochelle. Colonel Glover, 
being apprised of the advance of the British army, posted 
his troops behind the stone walls which flanked the road, 
and awaited the approach of the advanced guard. A well 
directed and rapid discharge of musketry greeted the British 
upon their appearance, and though they faced the destruc- 



150- THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

tive fire with great bravery, they were twice repulsed. The 
third time, the enemy advanced in solid columns, when Col- 
onel Glover's gallant soldiers fired three destructive volleys 
and then fell back upon General Lee's division in con- 
formity to his orders. The British lost a large number of 
men, the Americans having a few killed and about sixty 
wounded. 

By their daring, and the efiicient manner in which they 
had executed their orders, the brave men of Glover's brig- 
ade had checked the advance of the British army, and time 
had thus been gained for the withdrawal of the army and 
military stores from New York Island. 

On the following day Colonel Glover and his men were 
publicly thanked in the general orders by General Lee, for 
their soldier-like conduct during the battle, and a few days 
later they had the honor of a similar expression of gratitude 
from General Washington. 

An eye-witness of the affair, in a letter dated Mile 
Square, October 23, writes : " The brigade under the com- 
mand of Colonel Glover, consisting of about seven hundred 
men, one regiment being absent for guard, marched down 
towards the place where the enemy were advancing with a 
body of 16,000, and a very large artillery. The first attack 
was made by a small party on their advanced guard, which 
were utterly routed and forced to retreat to their main body, 
who, when they came up, were fired upon by two regiments, 
advantageously posted by Colonel Glover and Major Lee 
(who behaved gallantly), which brought many of them to 
the ground. Thus we continued figliting them and retreat- 
ing the whole afternoon, until they came to a stand, where 
they now remain, stretching down along the South, towards 
Connecticut, we suppose for forage. Our men behaved like 
soldiers, conformed to the orders of the officers, and re- 
treated in grand order, which is the life of discipline. Our 
loss is about nine or ten killed, and about thirty wounded. 
The enemy, a deserter says, lost two hundred killed on the 



OF MAEBLEHEAD. 151 

spot, aud a great number wounded. People may think what 
they please of the regular and spirited behavior of the British 
troops, but I that day was an eye-witness to the contrary. I 
saw as great irregularity, almost, as in a militia ; they would 
come out from their body and fire single guns. As to their 
courage, their whole body of 16,000 were forced to retreat 
by the fire of a single regiment, and many of them old 
troops. The fourth regiment was the one that had run ; 
and had we been reenforced with half their number, we 
might have totally defeated them ; the shot from their artil- 
lery flew very thick about our heads General Lee 

says we shall none of us leave the army, but all stay and 
be promoted ; but how that will be is uncertain." ^ 

From a letter written by Colonel Glover, on the 22d of 
October, 1776, we learn that during the engagement the 
Marblehead regiment was under the command of Capt. 
William Courtis, Lieutenant-colonel Johonnet being sick, 
and Major Lee acting in the capacity of brigade major. 
The letter, after giving a graphic description of the skir- 
mish, concludes with an account of the movements of the 
brigade after, and for a few days previous to the affair, from 
which we extract the following : — 

" At dark we came off, and marched about three miles 
to Dobb's Ferry, after fighting all day without victuals or 
drink, laying as a picket all night, the heavens over us and 
the earth beneath us, which was all we had, having left 
our baggage at the old encampment we left in the morning. 
The next morning marched over to Mile Square. I had 
eight men killed aud thirteen wounded, among which was 
Colonel Shepherd, a brave officer. 

'"'•Sunday, General Lee sent for and informed me there 
were two hundred barrels of pork and flour at East Chester, 
if the enemy had not taken it ; would be glad if I would 
think of some way to bring it off. I sent out and pressed 
fifteen wagons, aud at night turned out the whole brigade, 
1 The Freeman's Journal, Nov, 12, 1776. 



152 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

and went so nigh we heard their music and talk very plain, 
and brought off the whole. 

" Wednesday/, sent out a scouting party, principally from 
my own regiment, who met with a party of Hessians and 
attacked them, killed twelve and took three prisoners ; one 
of the slain was an officer of high rank on horseback ; the 
horse was taken and brought off. We had one man mor- 
tally wounded, of Colonel Baldwin's regiment. 

" Sunday^ the enemy struck their tents, and were on a 
march iij two columns, one to the right and the other to the 
left, towards the North River. General Lee immediately 
gave orders for his division, which consisted of eight thou- 
sand men, to march for North Castle, to take the ground to 
the eastward and north of them, about fourteen miles dis- 
tance. We had not marched more than thi-ee miles before 
we saw the right column advancing in a cross road to cut us 
off, not more than three quarters of a mile distance ; this 
being our situation, eight thousand men on the road with 
their baggage, artillery, and one hundred and fifty wagons, 
filled the road for four miles. We then turned off and 
marched by Dobb's Ferry road, and got into White Plains 
about ten o'clock Monday morning, after being out all night. 
We left General McDougal's brigade posted on a height be- 
tween the enemy and us, to cover our march. About twelve 
o'clock they attacked him with a heavy column, supported 
with twelve pieces of artillery, who pressed him so hard he 
was obliged to retreat, having twenty men killed and about 
forty wounded, and wholly from their artillery. 

" I am posted on a mountain, commanding the, roads to 
Albany and New England ; the enemy on one opposite, 
about one mile distance. We expect an attack every mo- 
ment. I don't care how soon, as I am very certain, with the 
blessing of God, we shall give them a severe drubbing." ^ 

On the 25th of October, General Lee's division marched 
from Kingsbridge to White Plains, and joined the rest of 
1 American Archives, 5th Series, vol. ii. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 153 

the army under General "Washington. The baggage and 
military stores were intrusted to the care of Glover's brig- 
ade, and on the 26th reached their destination in safety. 

On the 28th of October the British under General Leslie 
made an attack upon the right of the American army at 
White Plains. General M'Dougal, with about sixteen hun- 
dred men, occupied Chatterton's Hill, on the west side of 
the river Bronx, while Colonel Glover was stationed with 
his brigade on another hill near by. On the first charge of 
the British cavalry four regiments of the American militia 
ran away, leaving General M'Dougal with only six hundred 
men to defend the hill. The remaining troops made a gal- 
lant resistance, however, and for more than an hour held 
their position against the whole fire of twelve pieces of artil- 
lery, besides the musketry and a charge of cavalry. The 
loss of the Americans was forty-seven killed and seventy 
wounded. The following morning the British advanced 
upon the hill upon which Glover's brigade was stationed. 
With one brass twenty-four, a six, and a three-pounder, and 
three iron twelve-pounders, Glover awaited their approach. 
A line of 12,000 men, extending as far as the eye could 
reach, approached in four columns, and filed off to the left 
of Glover's position. Their objective point was a hill over- 
looking that upon which the Americans were posted. Re- 
serving his fire until the enemy had entei-ed a valley be- 
tween the hills, in order to make the attack. Glover brought 
his guns to bear, and welcomed them with the contents of 
the three-pounder. The six and twelve-pounders were dis- 
charged in rapid succession, and finally, as a parting salute, 
the brass twenty-four pounder blazed forth with terrible 
effect. The rout of the British was complete. Once after 
their repulse they attempted to ascend the hill, but after dis- 
charging a small artiUeiy piece three or four times, were 
forced to retire. Dismayed at his defeat, the British gen- 
eral ordered a retreat, and his troops fled in the gi-eatest con- 
fusion. 



154 THE HISTOEY AND TRADITIONS 

The reader is sparecl a recital of the retreat of the army 
of Washington across New Jersey. For several weeks after 
the affair at Chatterton's Hill, Glover's brigade — of which, 
it should be remembered, the Marblehead regiment was al- 
ways a part — was stationed at North Castle, under Gen- 
eral Lee. About the middle of December the entire division 
joined the main army, then on its " dismal retreat." 

This was the gloomiest period of the war to the Ameri- 
cans. The campaign had been little else than a series of 
disasters and retreats. The enemy had gained possession of 
Rhode Island, Long Island, and nearly the whole of New 
Jersey. 

Encouraged by the arrival of reenforcements, and knowing 
that the British troops were so posted " that they could not 
readily be brought to act in concert on a sudden alarm," 
General Washington conceived the idea of recrossing the 
Delaware and attacking the Hessian advance posts. Re- 
ports had been received that the British commander was 
only waiting for the river to freeze over in order to make a 
triumphant march to Philadelphia. To prevent this, and 
at the same time regain his lost position iu New Jersey, the 
commander-in-chief resolved to make an attack upon Tren- 
ton, on the night of December 25. 

" Early on the eventful evening," writes Washington Ir- 
ving, " the troops destined for Washington's part of the at- 
tack, about two thousand four hundred strong, with a train 
of twenty small pieces, were paraded near INIcKoukey's 
Ferry, ready to pass as soon as it grew dark, in the hope of 
being all on the other side by twelve o'clock. Washington 
repaired to the ground, accompanied by Generals Greene, 
Sullivan, Mercer, Stephen, and Lord Stirling. It was in- 
deed an anxious moment for all Boats being in read- 
iness, the troops began to cross about sunset. The w^eather 
was intensely cold ; the wind was high, the current strong, 
and the river full of floating ice. Colonel Glover, with his 
amphibious regiment of JNIarblehead fishermen, was iu the 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 155 

advance, — the same wlio had navigated the army across the 
Sound in its retreat from Brooklyn, on Long Island, to New 
York. They were men accustomed to battle with the ele- 
ments ; yet, with all their skill and experience, the crossing 
was difficult and perilous. Washington,^ who had crossed 
with the troops, stood anxiously, yet patiently, on the east- 
ern bank, while one precious hour after another elapsed, 
until the transportation of the artillery should be effected. 
The night was dark and tempestuous ; the drifting ice drove 
the boats out of their course, and threatened them with de- 
struction." 

Before daybreak the transportation had been effected. 
The troops landed about nine miles above Trenton, and 
were formed in two divisions, the Marblehead regiment lead- 
ing the advance. Shortly after the troops began to march, 
Capt. John Glover, a son of the colonel, discovered that 
the arms had been rendered unfit for use by the storm of 
snow and sleet which prevailed. This information was at 
once communicated to General Sullivan, and, as the column 
moved forward, the men were ordered to clean their muskets 
in the best manner possible. While the men were engaged 
in this unavailing occupation, an officer was sent to apprise 
General Washington of the fact, and his only reply, commu- 
nicated almost instantly by his aid-de-camp, was, tell the 
column " to advance and charge.'''' ^ The troops moved on, 
and as the storm continued to increase, the cold grew more 
bitter and intense. Two men were frozen to death ; and 
Lieut. Joshua Orne, of one of the Marblehead companies, 
became so benumbed from the cold, during the march, that 
he had fallen on the ground a little distance from the side 
of the road, and would have perished had he not been acci- 
dentally discovered, when nearly covered with snow, by 
some one in the rear of the regiment. 

1 Capt. William Blackler, of Marblehead, had command of the boat in 
which. Washington was rowed across. 
* Wilkinson's Memoirs. 



156 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

The story of the successful attack upon Trenton, which 
resulted in the capture of nearly one thousand prisoners 
■with their arms and ammunition, and compelled the British 
army to abandon New Jersey and retreat to New York, 
needs no repetition here. There, as elsewhere, the men of 
Marblehead were distinguished for the valorous manner in 
which they acquitted themselves. 

Years afterwards, in a speech before the Massachusetts 
Legislature, General Knox, who was Chief of Artillery at 
Trenton, paid the following tribute to the brave men of the 
Marblehead regiment : — 

" Sir : I wish the members of this body knew the peo- 
ple of Marblehead as well as I do. I could wish that they 
had stood on the banks of the Delaware River in 1776, 
in that bitter night when the Commander in Chief had 
drawn up his little army to cross it, and had seen the power- 
ful current bearing onward the floating masses of ice, which 
threatened destruction to whosoever should venture upon its 
bosom. I wish that when this occurrence threatened to de- 
feat the enterprise, they could have heard that distinguished 
warrior demand ' Who will lead us onf and seen the men 
of Marblehead, and Marblehead alone, stand forward to lead 
the army along the perilous path to unfading glories and 
honors in the achievements of Trenton. There, sir, went 
the fishermen of Marblehead, alike at home upon land or 
water, alike ardent, patriotic, and unflinching, whenever 
they unfurled the flag of the country." 

Shortly before the engagement at Trenton, Congress had 
clothed General Washington with additional powers, and as 
soon as practicable measures were adopted for recruiting 
new regiments of cavalry and artillery. The gallantry and 
meritorious conduct of the officers and men of the Marble- 
head regiment had not escaped the notice of the com- 
mander-in-chief, and on the first of January, 1777, William 
R. Lee, the major of the regiment, who, for some time had 
been acting as brigade major, was promoted to the rank 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 157 

of colonel. Immediately, upon receiving bis commission, 
Colonel Lee returned to Massachusetts to recruit and organ- 
ize his regiment. Many of the officers and men of the new 
regiment were from Marblehead. Joseph Swasey was ma- 
jor, Joseph Stacey quartermaster, and Joshua Orne was cap- 
tain of one of the companies. Among the lieutenants were 
William Hawkes, Samuel Gatchell, Jeremiah Reed, John 
Clark, and John Barker. 

In March, the office of adjutant-general having become, 
vacant. Colonel Lee was recommended by Congress for that 
office. General Washington conferred the appointment, how- 
ever, upon Colonel Pickering, of Salem, and upon his refusal 
to serve. Colonel Lee was immediately summoned to head- 
quarters. Upon his arrival, Lee, with becoming modesty, 
declined the honor, and recommended Colonel Pickering, 
" whom he declared, he considered, from a very friendly and 
intimate acquaintance, as a first-rate military character, and 
that he knew of no gentleman so well qualified for the post." 
Washington afterwards declared in a letter to Congress, 
that nothing derogatory to the merits of Colonel Lee, who 
held a high place in his esteem, and who had "deservedly 
acquired the reputation of a good officer," influenced him 
in giving the preference to Colonel Pickering. 

On the 23d of February, Colonel Glover, who had tem- 
porarily left the army to attend to his private affairs, was 
appointed by Congress a brigadier-general. Receiving 
orders from General Washington to join the army at Peeks- 
kill, he immediately set out from home, and took command 
of his brigade on the 14th of June. From this time, until 
the 27th of July, the men under his command rendered effi- 
cient " service in resisting the encroachments of the enemy 
at New York." On that day the brigade sailed from Peeks- 
kill for Saratoga to reenforce General Schuyler, then retreat- 
ing before the army of Burgoyne, and formed a portion of 
the troops which, on the 3d of August, marched from Sara- 
toga to Stillwater. Of the experience of his men during 



158 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

their brief stay at Saratoga, General Glover, in a letter 
from Stillwater under date of August 6, wrote as follows : 
" During the three days at Saratoga, we were constantly 
(night and day) in alarm ; our scouting parties a great part 
of the time cut off, killed, scalped, and taken prisoners. 
The day we left it, our scouts were all driven in by the 
Indians, and two men were brought to my quarters, one of 
them scalped ; it appeared they had not been dead more than 
half an hour. I immediately detached four hundred men 
from my brigade to scour the woods, where they remained 
till four o'clock ; saw nothing of the enemy save three blank- 
ets supposed to be left by them. 

"We have had twenty-five or thirty men killed and 
scalped and as many more taken prisoners within four days. 
This strikes a panic on our men ; which is not to be won- 
dered at, when we consider the hazard they run as scouts, by 
being fired upon from all quarters (and the woods so thick 
they can't see three yards before them), and then to hear 
the cursed war-whoop which makes the woods ring for 
miles." 1 

On the 19th of August, the army having retreated to Van 
Schaick's Island, General Gates arrived and took command 
of the centre division, comprising Glover's, Nixon's, and 
Patterson's brigades. Shortly after, the army moved up 
the river as far as Bemis's Heights, where, in the battle on 
the 19th of September, Glover's brigade composed a part of 
the right wing of the army which was posted on the hills 
near the river. The British army was encamped about two 
miles from General Gates, and on the morning of the 19th 
advanced in great force on the left of the Americans. " The 
battle," wrote General Glover, " was very hot till half-past 
one o'clock; ceased about half an hour, then renewed the 
attack. Both armies seemed determined to conquer or die. 
One continual blaze without intermission till dark, when by 
consent of both parties it ceased ; during which time we 
1 Hist. Coll. Essex Inst. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 159 

several times drove them, took tlie ground, passing over 
great numbers of their dead and wounded. Took one field- 
piece, but the woods and bush were so thick, and being close 
pushed by another party of the enemy coming up, was 
obliged to give up our prize. The enemy in their turn 
sometimes drove us Our men were bold and coura- 
geous, and fought like men fighting for their all. We have 
taken about seventy prisoners, among whom are two officers. 
.... The enemy suffered much, having two regiments 
almost cut off ; their killed, wounded, and missing, number- 
ing seven hundred, among whom were a great proportion of 
officers." 

The British encamped about one mile distant, and as 
Burgoyne was desirous of receiving re enforcements before 
venturing another attack, no general engagement took place 
again until the 7th of October. In the mean time the 
Americans were not idle. They employed their time in 
harassing the British camp with frequent night alarms, 
driving their pickets, and bringing off their horses. As an 
instance of the fine spirits and daring bravery of his men in 
exploits of this nature. General Glover writes : " I ordered 
one hundred men from my brigade to take off a picket of 
the enemy who were posted about half a mile from me, at 
the same time ordering a covering party of two hundred to 
support them. This being the first enterprise of the kind, 
and as it was proposed by me, I was very anxious for its 
success. I therefore went myself. The night being very 
foggy and dark, we could not find the enemy till after day. 
When I made the proper dispositions for the attack, they 
went on like so many tigers, bidding defiance to musket- 
balls and bayonets. Drove the enemy, killed three, and 
wounded a great many more, .... without any loss on 
our side." 

The British General Burgoyne unconsciously testified to 
the manner in which his army was harassed by Glover and 
the men under his command, when he wrote : " Not a night 



160 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

passed without firing, and sometimes concerted attacks upon 
our advanced pickets. I do not believe either officer or 
soldier ever slept in that interval without his clothes ; or 
that any general officer or commander of a regiment passed 
a single night, without being upon his legs occasionally at 
different hours, and constantly an hour before daylight." ^ 

On the 7th of October, during the battle which resulted 
in the disastrous rout of the British, Glover's brigade, being 
a part of the right wing of the army, under command of 
General Lincoln, was held in reserve. A part of the bri^ 
gade, however, including the Marblehead regiment, were en- 
gaged under General Arnold during his impetuous assault 
upon the British camp during the latter part of the day. 
The British, having abandoned their artillery, and knowing 
that the field was lost, retreated to their camp, which they 
were determined to preserve at all hazards. Scarcely had 
they entered their lines when they were attacked by the 
intrepid troops under Arnold. The attack was made by a 
determined charge with the bayonet, resulting in one of the 
most desperate hand to hand fights ever known. The camp 
was defended with great bravery, the Americans being 
greeted with a tremendous fire of grape-shot and small 
arms. " Even the stolid Hessians," says a recent writer, 
" expressed their amazement when they saw these brave 
Marbleheaders dash through the fire of grape and canister 
and over the dead bodies of their comrades, through the em- 
brasures, over the cannon, with the same agility with which 
they had formerly climbed to the main-top, or traversed the 

backstays, bayoneting the cannoneers at their posts 

Glover's troops evinced the coolness and agility of sailors in 
their attack, and showed that they could use the bayonet 
with as much skill and effect as the marline or handspike on 
board ship." During the engagement General Glover had 
three horses shot under him. 

At night the battle was over, and victory had once more 
crowned the arms of the Americans. 

1 Burgoyne's Expedition, p. 166. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 161 

On the following evening the British array retreated to 
Saratoga, but owning to the badness of the roads and the 
heavy rain which prevailed, did not arrive there until the 
morning of the 10th. On the morning of the 11th, General 
Gates, under the impression that the main body of Bur- 
goyne's army had retreated to Fort Edward, commenced an 
attack upon the camp at Saratoga. This was a great mis- 
take, and but for a fortunate discovery by General Glover, 
would have proved disastrous to the Americans. " General 
Nixon's, being the oldest brigade, crossed the Saratoga Creek 
first. Unknown to the Americans, Burgoyne had formed a 
line under the cover of the woods, to support a post of 
artillery where the others meant to make their attack. 
General Glover was on the point of following Nixon. Just 
as he entered the water, he saw a British soldier making 
across, whom he called and examined. The soldier claimed 
to be a deserter, and said that he was going to the Ameri- 
cans. Glover asked him about Burgoyne's army. The 
soldier answered, ' It is encamped the same as days past.' 
Glover told him, ' If you are found attempting to deceive 
me, you shall be hung in half an hour ; but if you speak 
nothing but the truth, you shall be protected and meet with 
good usage.' He then asked him, ' Have not numbers been 
sent off to Fort Edward ? ' The deserter replied, ' A small 
detachment was sent off a day or two ago, but are returned 
on finding the passes occupied by the Americans, and the 
whole army is now in camp.' Glover, though the junior 
officer to Nixon, sent off immediately to him, to desist and 
re-cross the creek ; and at the same time despatched his aid- 
de-camp, with the deserter behind him on horseback to Gen- 
eral Gates ; who, having examined the soldier, hurried away 
the aid-de-camp, the adjutant-general and others to counter- 
mand the former orders and prevent the attack. General 
Nixon, upon receiving Glover's message, retreated ; but be- 
fore he had recrossed, the fog cleared off, and the rear of 
his brigade was galled by the enemy's cannon, which killed 
11 



162 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

several of his men Glover's message was received by 

Nixon in the critical moment ; a quarter of an hour later 
would 2:>robably have proved fatal to the whole brigade, and 
given a turn to affairs in favor of the royal army." ^ 

By this fQrtunate discovery the last hope of the British 
general was destroyed. The reenforcements which he had 
confidently expected had not arrived ; his pi-ovisions were 
nearly exhausted, and his retreat was cut off by the Ameri- 
cans, who were posted everywhere in the vicinity. Accord- 
ingly, on the 13th of October, he surrendered with his 
whole army to General Gates. 

The entire number of soldiers who surrendered on this 
occasion was 5,791, and by the terms of the capitulation 
they " were to be sent to Massachusetts and guarded in or 
near Boston." The duty of guarding, and conducting the 
prisoners to their destination, was assigned to General 
Glover and the men under his command, whose brilliant 
achievements during the campaign had made them famous 
throughout the country. All along the march from Sara- 
toga to Cambridge the roads and hill-sides were lined with 
interested spectators, and though the victorious brigade was 
everywhere greeted with cheers and other encouraging dem- 
onstrations, not a word of insult was offered to the unfortu- 
nate prisoners. 

In the mean time, Col. William R. Lee had returned to 
Massachusetts, where he had been busily engaged during 
the summer in recruiting, and suitably equipping his regi- 
ment. On the 2d of October he was ordered to march with 
his regiment to join the army at Philadelphia. While on 
the march the news of the surrender of Burgoyne was re- 
ceived, and Colonel Lee, with the troops under his com- 
mand, was ordered to return to Cambridge to form a por- 
tion of the guard for the British army. 

The prisoners arrived at Cambridge on the 7th of Novem- 

1 An account of the affair as related by General Glover to Gordon, the his- 
torian, March 18, 1785. 



OF MAEBLEHEAD. 163 

ber, and were received by Colonel Lee, as the commanding 
ofl&cer of the cantonment. It was indeed a remarkable 
coincidence. On the very ground where, two years before, 
the Marblehead regiment had first appeared in arms in the 
Continental service, General Glover now delivered an army 
to the care of Colonel Lee. And what a change had taken 
place during the interval in the positions of these heroic 
citizens of Marblehead. When, in 1775, the regiment left 
the town, one was its colonel, and the other the captain of 
one of its companies. Now, the colonel had become a gen- 
eral, and the captain, having been promoted from one grade 
after another to that of colonel, had been offered the posi- 
tion of adjutant-general of the American army. Further 
comment is unnecessary. The responsible positions to which 
they had been promoted is sufficient evidence of their hero- 
ism, and of the distinguished services which they had ren- 
dered to their country. 

The British soldiers were placed in barracks on Prospect 
Hill, and the Germans on Winter Hill, while the officers 
were allowed to obtain quarters among the citizens of Cam- 
bridge and the neighboring town. The utmost limits of 
parole were allowed them, and they were treated with the 
consideration and courtesy due them as gentlemen. 

On the day after their arrival at Cambridge, General 
Burgoyne and his two major-generals, Phillips and Reidesel, 
were invited to dine with General Heath, then in command 
of the American forces in and around Boston. The dinner 
is described as an elegant affair, and among other prominent 
guests were Generals Glover and Wliipple, who had con- 
ducted the British army from Saratoga.^ 

'Though General Heath and the officers under his com- 
mand had done everything in their power to render the 
situation of the British officers and soldiers as comfortable 
and pleasant as possible, many of them seemed incapable 
of feeling a sense of gratitude. Every liberty consistent 
1 Heath's Memoirs, p. 326. 



164 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

with a due regard to their security was allowed them, of 
which advantage was taken in many instances to commit 
tbe most destructive depredations on the property of the 
inhabitants. Fences, sheds, barns, and other structures, 
as well as fruit and ornamental trees, were destroyed and 
used as fuel whenever it could be done with impunity. To 
such an extent were these outrages committed, that it be- 
came necessary to double the guards, and the matter was 
made the subject of the following report from Colonel Lee 
to General Heath. " This moment a subaltern from the 
Hills informs me that the British soldiers behave in a 
most scandalous manner, by pulling down fences, barns, and 
other buildings, and abusing the guards and sentries ; in 
consequence of which I have ordered all the guards to be 
doubled, and the regiments to be ready to move at a mo- 
ment's warning." 

Shortly after this affair, Colonel Henley, who was in im- 
mediate command at Cambridge, being the senior officer, 
ordered some of the prisoners who were under arrest in the 
guard-house to parade, that he might examine them. One 
of the prisoners behaved with so much insolence towards 
him, that Colonel Henley in a moment of anger pricked him 
with his sword. General Burgoyne, upon hearing of the 
matter, wrote a very insolent letter to General Heath, in 
which he charged Colonel Henley " with barbarous and 
wanton conduct and intentional murder." 

In consequence of this complaint. Colonel Henley was 
placed under arrest, and Colonel Lee was ordered to take 
command at Cambridge. A few days after, a court of in- 
quiry, of which General Glover was president, decided that 
" for the honor of Colonel Henley as well as for the satisfac- 
tion of all concerned, it would "be most proper that the judg- 
ment of a court-martial should be taken on his conduct.'' 
A court-martial was accordingly ordered, of which General 
Glover was president, and Colonel Lee one of the members. 
After a thorough investigation of the affair Colonel Henley 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 165 

was exonerated, and it was decided that the charges were 
not supported. 

During the trial, which lasted more than twenty days, 
General Burgoyne was an attentive and interested partici- 
pant in the proceedings. Though his conduct was at times 
extremely disrespectful, and very offensive to the members 
of the court-martial, the following extract from a speech 
which he made during the trial, shows his high estimation 
of the character and conduct of General Glover and Colonel 
Lee. After dwelling at length upon the unfortunate posi- 
tion of the officers and soldiers of his army, and the sanguine 
expectations which had been indulged " of their being re- 
ceived with all that magnanimity and kindness which was 
due them as prisoners of war," General Burgoyne said : 
" We were led into these delusive hopes by the very honor- 
able treatment shown us by General Gates ; by that we re- 
ceived from you, Mr. President,^ when you conducted us 
upon the march, and by that we afterwards found from the 
worthy member of the court near you,^ who had the imme- 
diate command in this district upon our arrival, and to 
whom, most happily for us, the command is now again de- 
volved." 3 

Lieutenant Anbury, of the British army, who was one of 
the prisoners, afterwards wrote an account of his " Travels 
in America," in which, after a review of the court-martial, 
he pays the following tribute to Colonel Lee, and his merits 
as an officer. 

" In consequence of this acquittal. Colonel Henley re- 
assumed his command the next day, but merely for form's 
sake, as the next week Colonel Lee took the command 
which he had when we first arrived. Affairs are much bet- 
ter regulated, everything is now in perfect tranquillity, and 
a good understanding has taken place between our troops 
and the Americans. Colonel Lee has remedied one great 

1 General Glover. ^ Colonel Lee. 

3 See Travels through America, by Lieutenant Aubury. 



166 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

evil, which was compeUing our sokliers to purchase all their 
provisions at two stores in the barracks, and not permitting 
them to send to Cambridge, where they were mu<5h cheaper. 
Passes have been granted for a sergeant and a certain num- 
ber of men to go out and purchase provisions, by which 
means the stores cannot impose on the troops ; and they 
now sell their commodities at the market price." 

Owing to the hazardous condition of his private affairs, 
which had long been in need of his personal supervision, 
Colonel Lee found it necessary, in the summer of 1778, to 
resign his commission and request his discharge from the 
army. His request was granted by Congress, but though 
the papers were forwarded on the 24th of June, he did not 
relinquish his command until the 1st of August, when he re- 
turned to Marblehead. 

General Glover was detained in Massachusetts a much 
longer time than was expected would be necessaiy to finish 
the business with which he had been intrusted by General 
Gates, and did not again join the army until the following 
summer. During that ever memorable winter of 1778, his 
brigade formed a part of the army of Washington and ex- 
perienced all the suffering which must forever make the 
camp at Valley Forge famous in American history. But 
through it all they behaved like men. Neither want, nor 
hunger, nor nakedness, nor all combined, could induce them 
to forsake the service of their country. To the patient for- 
bearance and fidelity of men like these, we owe the founda- 
tion of the American Republic. 

On the 28th of June, General Glover, in obedience to the 
urgent requests of Washington, again joined the nrmy, and 
at once assumed command at Fort Arnold, near West Point 
on the Hudson, where he rendered efficient service in super- 
intending the erection of forts and redoubts in the vicinity. 
In the mean time, his brigade, in company with that of 
General Varnum, had been sent, under the command of the 
Marquis Lafayette, to reenforce the army of General Sulli- 



OF MARBLEHEAD. ' 167 

van, who was then in command of the department of Provi- 
dence. A concerted effort was to be made for the purpose 
of recapturing Rhode Island proper, which the enemy had 
made one of their mihtary depots and strongholds, and to 
this end, it was necessary that additional troops should be 
raised as reenforcements. General Glover joined his brigade 
after it had been several days on the march. Immediately 
upon reporting to General Sullivan with his command, he 
was requested to proceed to Boston, Marblehead, and other 
places, for the purpose of engaging " two or three hundred 
seamen, or other persons well acquainted with boats, to act 
as boatmen in the expedition against Rhode Island." The 
pay of tlie recruits was to be three dollars a day, and their 
time of service was to be fifteen days if they were not 
sooner discharged. 

In accordance with these instructions, General Glover 
went to Massachusetts, and in a short time returned with 
two entire companies raised in Boston and Salem, and a 
large number of volunteers from Marblehead. They arrived 
at Providence on the 10th of August, and were assigned to 
their various positions in the army. 

General Sullivan's reenforcements having arrived, and all 
things being in readiness for the descent upon Rhode Island, 
the army crossed fi'om Tiverton in two divisions, by means 
of eighty-six flat-bottomed boats, and landed on the north 
end of the island. The British abandoned their works in 
that part of the island, when the Americans landed, and 
retired within their lines, about three miles above Newport. 
This being perceived by the Americans, they moved from 
the ferry in the afternoon, and encamped upon the high 
ground known as Quaker Hill, between ten and eleven 
miles north of Newport. By an agreement with the Count 
D'Estaing, who commanded the French squadron, it was 
expected that the army would be joined by four thousand 
marines as soon as it landed on the island. The French 
commander, however, instead of landing his marines as he 



168 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

liad promised, sailed away to attack the British fleet which 
had appeared off Newport on the day before. 

Though greatly disappointed by this action on the part of 
their French allies, the Americans continued the pi*epa- 
rations for attack. On the 15th. in expectation of the 
" speedy return of the French squadron," the army marched 
forward in three divisions, took post within two miles of the 
enemy's lines, commenced the erection of batteries, and soon 
afterwards opened a fire of balls and bombs upon the Brit- 
ish works. 1 Glover's brigade was on the left of the line, 
under command of Colonel Bigelow, the general having 
been placed temporarily on the staff of General Sullivan. 
The French fleet failed to put in an appearance, and the 
Americans were forced to abandon the siege. 

The time for which the Massachusetts volunteers had en- 
listed having nearly expired, and the plans of General Sul- 
livan having been defeated through the perfidy of the French 
admiral, it became necessary to induce the soldiers to remain 
for some after the expiration of their term of service. Ac- 
cordingly, on the 20th of August, General Sullivan addresed 
them in the general orders, as follows : " While the com- 
mander-in-chief esteems it his duty to return his warmest 
acknowledgments to the truly spirited citizens of Salem and 
Marblehead, who so cheerfully turned out to take charge of 
the boats, and wdio have hitherto executed their trust to so 
universal satisfaction, he cannot help expressing his concern 
that the term of time they agreed for is so nearly expired ; 
it gives him the most sensible pain to reflect that the unfa- 
vorable weather, the absence of the French fleet, and some 
other unforeseen and unfortunate events, have lengthened 
out the operations, and lay him under a necessity of calling 
on those men (who ought to have returned with the thanks 
of the army and country in general) to continue the sacri- 
fice they are making of their private interest a few days 
longer, to see the business they are so nobly engaged in com- 
1 LossiDg, vol. i. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 169 

pleted, and this island again restored to the domination of 
the United States." ^ 

The French admiral, on the return of his squadron, hav- 
ino- announced his determination to proceed at once to Bos- 
ton, General Glover joined with the other American generals 
in signing a remonstrance against the withdrawal of the 
squadron at such an important crisis ; but without avail. 
The squadron sailed away on the 23d, and the American 
array was left to work its way out of the difficulty in the 
best manner possible. 

Discouraged by this abrupt withdrawal of the French, 
between two and three thousand of the American volunteers 
left for home on the following day. Not so with the volun- 
teers from Salem and Marblehead. Their time of service 
bad expired, but they would not desert the army at a time 
when their services were so necessary. 

The American force having been greatly reduced by the 
perfidy of the French, and the desertion of so large a num- 
ber of volunteers, a retreat was determined upon, which be- 
gan on the night of the 28th, with great order and secrecy. 
The position of the army was changed from the advanced 
batteries before the lines of the British, to an eminence 
known as Butt's Hill, about twelve miles from Newport. 
The retreat was not discovered until morning, when the 
British succeeded in obtaining an advantageous position on 
Quaker Hill, a little more than a mile from the American 
front. During the skirmishing which ensued between the 
advance corps of the two armies, the American left was re- 
enforced by a regiment from Glover's brigade. At about 
nine o'clock the British opened a severe cannonade upon the 
Americans, which was returned with great spirit. Skirmish- 
ing ensued until about ten o'clock, when two British sloops- 
of-war and some small armed vessels sailed up the river, 
and the enemy's troops, under cover of their fire, advanced 
in force to turn the right flank of the American army, and 

1 Hist. Coll. Essex Inst. 



170 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

capture tlie redoubt which protected it. They were twice 
driven back in confusion, when a third effort was made with 
greater numbers. General Sullivan now ordered the right 
to be reenforced, and a sharp conflict of nearly an hour's 
duration succeeded, in which the artillery of both armies 
played briskly from the hills. The enemy were at length 
routed, and fled in great confusion to a hill where they had 
cannon and works to cover them, leaving their dead and 
wounded on the field. The action must have ended in the 
ruin of the British army had not the redoubts on the hill 
covered them from a close pursuit. Immediately upon the 
repulse of the enemy on the right, they appeared advancing 
on the left, in consequence of which Glover's brigade and 
General Tyler's militia, supported by Titcomb's brigade, 
were ordered to advance and form in a cross-road within 
half a mile of the enemy. They accordingly took post, and 
a cannonade, with skirmishing, ensued and continued till 
dark. It was not judged advisable to attack them in their 
works, as the Americans, inferior in numbers to the enemy, 
were much fatigued, and had been without provisions or re- 
freshment of any kind for thirty-six hours. ^ The Americans 
had thirty killed, one hundred and thirty-two wounded, and 
forty-four missing. The British loSt, in killed and wounded, 
two hundred and ten, and twelve missing. 

On the following night. General Sullivan, with his army, 
evacuated Rhode Island. The troops were transported to 
the main land in the flat-bottomed boats, which were so skill- 
fully manned by the volunteers from Marblehead and Salem 
that before midnight the whole army had crossed without 
the loss of a man. 

In February, 1779, General Glover was granted a fur- 
lough by Congress, and returned to Marblehead to adjust 
his private affairs. He evidently did not remain long from 
his brigade, for a month later, on the departure of General 
Sullivan, the command of the department of Providence 
devolved upon him. 

1 New York Journal. September 1.4, 1778. 



OF MAKBLEHEAD. 171 

On the 30tb of June, Glover, with his brigade, marched 
from Providence to join the main army. On the way, at 
the request of General Parsons, he marched to Norwalk to 
defend that town against the British, who were advancing 
upon Connecticut. 

On the 23d of July he was ordered to proceed to Ridge- 
field and remain until further orders, for the purpose of 
watching and communicating the movements of the enemy. 
How long General Glover remained at this post is uncer- 
tain ; but in November he was with his brigade at Peekskill, 
from whence he wrote to John Hancock on the 25th : " The 
spirit of reenlisting prevails much. It is my opinion, had I 
money to pay the bounty as resolved by court, I could retain 
the greater part of the nine months' men, as well as those 
that were engaged for three years," to serve during the war. 
" About seventy have already reenlisted in my brigade ; my 
money is all exhausted ; I can do no more. It is idle to 
suppose men who, as they say, have been so often neglected, 
will engage upon resolves of Court. We may as soon ex- 
pect lines to be stormed and forts to be taken by plans of 
attack drawn upon paper, without men, arms, or ammuni- 
tion sufficient to execute those plans, as old soldiers to re- 
enlist without money. It is the sinews of war." 

" The whole of the army has gone into winter canton- 
ments except General Nixon's and my brigades, who are 
now in the field (eight hundred of my men without shoes or 
stockings) enjoying the sweets of a winter campaign, while 
the worthy and virtuous citizens of America are enduring 
the hardships, toils, and fatigues incidental to parlours, with 
good fires and sleeping on beds of down." ^ 

During the summer of 1780, General Glover was with 
his brigade at West Point, with the exception of a few 
weeks spent in Massachusetts for the purpose of forwarding 
drafts to the army. At the time of the capture of the un- 
fortunate Major Andr^, Glover had again rejoined his bri- 

1 Upham's Memoir of Glover. 



172 THE HISTORY 'AND TRADITIONS 

gade, and on the 29tli of September was a member of the 
court which sentenced the spy to death. Andre's heroie 
conduct, after the sentence had been imposed upon him, in- 
spired the admiration of all who witnessed it. Though his 
mission, had it been successful, would have been ruinous to 
the American army, his captors felt that the chief conspira- 
tor was the traitor Arnold, and their hearts went out to the 
brave young officer in sympathy. On the 2d of October, 
when the execution took place. General Glover was officer 
of the day, and was deeply affected by the scene. Even 
old soldiers, who had many times braved death on the battle 
field, shed tears on the occasion. But though the necessity 
of the execution was sincerely regretted, no one questioned 
the equity of the sentence. 

During the following winter and spring, General Glover 
was at West Point. On the departure of Washington with 
the allied armies, for Virginia, his brigade formed a part of 
the force which was left to protect the Hudson Highlands, 
under command of General Heath. During the march of 
the army for Peekskill, Glover had command of Lincoln's 
division. 

We learn little of the doings of Glover and his men from 
this time until the 12th of November, when he commanded 
a foraging expedition of which his brigade formed a part, 
and for which he was subsequently thanked in the general 
orders of General Heath. 

The surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown in October, 
1781, had decided the great contest in favor of the Ameri- 
cans, and though the army was not disbanded, nor the treaty 
of peace signed till two years later, the war was virtually at 
an end. Enlistments for the army went on, however, for 
some time, and in the spring of 1782 General Glover was 
ordered to Massachusetts to " take charge of the mustering 
and forwarding recruits." ^ This was the last service ren- 

1 General Glover retired from the army on account of his rapidly failing 
health, and in July, 1782, was placed on the hal-f-pay establishment by resolu- 
tion of Congress. He died January 30, 1797. 



OF MAEBLEHEAD. 173 

dered by Glover as a general in the American army, and 
with it must end our account of the part taken by the men 
of Marblehead in the various movements upon the land. 
Throughout the war they were distinguished for their 
bravery and the faithful performance of duty. Whether 
in camp, or on the march; leading the advance in an at- 
tack, or covering a retreat ; everywhere, and under all cir- 
cumstances, the same steady resolution characterized their 
actions. 



174 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 



CHAPTER IX. 

Having followed the men of INIarblelieacl as far as pos- 
sible through the various campaigns of the Revolution, let 
us now turn our attention to their exploits upon the water. 
The naval history of the war for Independence can never be 
fully written. Many of the most daring exploits of men in 
private armed vessels must forever remain unknown. The 
information to be obtained from the records of the period is 
very meagre, and reliance must be placed principally upon 
newspaper reports of engagements, and the log books and 
private journals of seamen. The rest is traditionary. 

In another chapter, an account has already been given 
of the early captures by Captains Broughton, Selman, and 
Manly, in privateers fitted out by order of General Wash- 
ington, and of Captain Mugford's heroic capture of the 
transport Hope, and his subsequent death while defending 
his vessel against the boats of the British fleet. 

On the first of January, 1776, Captain Manly was given 
the command of the armed schooner Hancock, and became 
commodore of a fleet of six vessels fitted out by order of 
General Washington. The other schooners were the Lee, 
Captain Waters; the Franldin, Captain Samuel Tucker; 
the Harrison, Captain Dyer; the Lynch, Captain Ayres ; 
and the Warren, Captain Burke. Captains Waters, Tucker, 
and Dyer were commissioned on the 20th of January, 1776, 
while the last three commanders did not obtain their com- 
missions until the first of February. 

It is related of Captain Tucker, that when the express 
with his commission rode up to his door, the gallant captain, 
with his sleeves rolled up, and with a tarpaulin hat slouch- 




^T^^***^ <^/> l/ci^'A-e^ 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 175 

ing over liis face, was engaged in chopping wood in the yard. 
The officer thought that he must have mistaken the direc- 
tion, and exclaimed, somewhat roughly — 

" I say, fellow, I wish you would tell me if the Honorable 
Samuel Tucker lives hereabouts ! " 

" Honorable ! honorable ! " said Tucker, with a shrewd 
look at the stranger ; " there is not any man of that name 
in Marblehead. He must be one of the family of Tuckers 
in Salem. I am the only Samuel Tucker there is here." 

The gallant look and deportment of the young man con- 
vinced the officer that he could not be mistaken, and, after 
handing him his commission and partaking of refreshments, 
he returned to the camp at Cambridge.^ 

On the following day Captain Tucker was at Beverly, 
superintending the fitting out of the Franklin, and in a short 
time sailed on his first cruise. The small arms necessary for 
the proper armament of his vessel were purchased with his 
own private funds, and the banner under which he sailed 
was the handiwork of his wife. In a short time he fell in 
with the British ship George and the brig Annabel. The 
two vessels were transports, and had on board about two 
hundred and eighty Highland troops under command of 
Col. Archibald Campbell. It was about ten o'clock in the 
evening, and a conflict ensued which lasted neai-ly two hours 
and a half. At length the British, having lost a large num- 
ber of men, including the commander of one of the trans- 
ports, struck their colors and surrendered. The prizes had 
on board a large amount of ammunition and military stores. 
Tucker sustained no damage in the loss of men, but the sails 
of his schooner were completely riddled. 

During the month of April, Commodore Manly was trans- 
ferred to the command of the frigate Hancock, of 32 guns, 
and, on his promotion, the command of the schooner Han- 
cock was given to Captain Tucker. Shortly after taking 
command of this schooner, Tucker captured two brigs within 

1 Sheppard's Life of Tucker. 



176 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

sight of a British man of war, and carried them into Lynn. 
One of the brigs was from Cork, ninety-two tons burden, 
laden with beef, pork, butter, and coal ; the other, of about 
one hundred tons burden, was from the Western Islands, 
and laden with wine and fruit. 

Early in the spring of 1776, Capt. John Lee, of Marble- 
head, was commissioned commander of the privateer Nancy, 
a small vessel carrying six guns. One afternoon, just before 
night, he discovered a heavy armed merchantman, which, 
though much larger than his own vessel, he resolved to cap- 
ture. The Nancy was so low in the water that she was not 
discovered by the enemy. As soon as the night became suf- 
ficiently dark, Lee sailed up to the ship, having extended 
indistinct lights beyond the bowsprit and from the stern of 
his vessel; which gave her the appearance of great length. 
The English captain, thinking it idle to contend with a force 
so much superior to his own, as he thought her from this 
stratagem, struck his colors. His men were sent on board 
Captain Lee's small vessel in boat-loads, and were easily se- 
cured. The captain was among the last to leave the ship ; 
and when he stepped on to the deck of the schooner, and 
saw how he had been deceived, he attempted to kill himself. 
He was prevented by Captain Lee, who by courteous and 
gentle treatment endeavored to soothe his wounded feelings. 
During this cruise, Lee captured thirteen prizes which were 
sent into the port of Bilboa, in Spain. Tlie last of these 
he followed, in order to superintend the trial, condemnation 
and sale of the vessels and cargoes, and to repair his own 
vessel. 

After refitting, he sailed into the British Channel on a 
cruise, and was chased by the flag-ship of Admiral Jarvis. 
Captain Lee made every effort to increase the speed of his 
vessel by throwing his guns and other heavy ordnance over- 
board ; but finding it impossible to escape, ran her on shore. 
The wreck was immediately surrounded by the boats of the 
ship, and the officers and crew were captured, and ultimately 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 177 

landed in England and sent to Forton Prison.^ Of their 
treatment while there, and the escape of Captain Lee, we 
have more to relate hereafter. 

On the 28th of July, 1776, the ship Peggy, mounting 
six three-pounders and two two-pounders, was sent into 
Marblehead, having been captured by the privateers Han- 
cock, Captain Tucker, and the Franklin, Captain Skinner. 
The prize was from Scotland, and was estimated as worth 
about £15,000 sterhng.^ 

During the latter part of the month of October, Tucker 
captured the brig Lively, bound from Air to Newfound- 
land, which, together with the cargo and crew, was sent 
into Boston. Mr. Sheppard, in his • " Life of Commodore 
Tucker," states that during the year 1776 the number of 
prizes captured by that daring commander was from thirty 
to forty, including ships, brigs, and smaller vessels, many of 
them with very valuable cargoes, and some of them armed 
vessels. 

In March, 1777, Captain Tucker was received into the 
navy, and was commissioned as commander of frigate Bos- 
ton. It is probable that he did not assume the command of 
the frigate for some time after, however, as would seem from 
the following incident of naval warfare, during which the 
Boston was commanded by Captain Hector McNeil. 

" In May of this year, the Hancock, 32, Captain John 
Manly, and the Boston, 24, Captain Hector McNeil, sailed 
in company from Boston, on a cruise to the eastward. A 
few days out, or in the month of May, the Hancock made a 
strange sail, early in the morning, and succeeded in getting 
near enough to her to exchange broadsides, on opposite 
tacks, the Hancock using her starboard and the enemy her 
larboard guns. At this time the Boston was out of gunshot. 
Finding that he had to deal with an antagonist of superior 
force, the English vessel, which was a frigate, stood on, 

1 Life of Col. W. R. Lee. 

2 American Archives. 
12 



178 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

crowding sail to escape. The Hancock now went about in 
pursuit, when Captain Manly sent his people from the 
guns, and ordered them to get their breakfasts. As the 
Hancock was one of the fastest ships that was ever built, 
she quickly drew up abeam of the chase, which renewed her 
fire as soon as her guns would bear. Captain Manly, how- 
ever, commanded his men not to discharge a gun, until fairly 
alongside, when a w^arm and close action commenced that 
lasted an hour and a half, when, the Boston drawing near, 
the Englishman struck. The prize proved to be the Fox, of 
28 guns. In this action the Hancock lost eight men, and 
the Fox thirty-two. The Boston did not fire a gun until 
just after the Fox had struck, when she is said to have given 
her a broadside, the Hancock being in the act of lowering 
the boats to take possession as her consort ranged up on the 
beam of the prize. 

" Captain Manly now put a crew on board the Fox and 
continued his cruise, but was not fortunate enough to fall in 
with anything of moment. On the 1st of June the three 
ships appeared off Halifax, in company, looking into the 
harbor. This brought out the Rainbow, a 44 on two decks, 
Sir George Collier, the Flora, 32, and the Victor, 18, in 
chase. The Americans scattered, the Rainbow and Victor 
pressing the Hancock, the Flora the Fox, while the Boston 
had so much the start as to be able easily to keep aloof. 
The Flora first closed with the Fox, which ship she recap- 
tured after a short but spirited action. The wind being 
very light. Captain Manly attempted to lighten his ship by 
pumping out the water, and is believed to have hurt her 
sailing by altering her trim. Finding the Rainbow was 
closing, that gallant officer made his disposition for board- 
ing, and, doubtless, would have made a desperate effort to 
carry his powerful antagonist, had the wind permitted. 
The air remained so light, however, that the Rainbow got 
him fairly under her guns, before he could get near enough 
to accomplish the object, the Victor getting a raking position 
at the same time the Hancock struck. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 179 

" Captain McNeil was mucli censured for abandoning his 
consort on this occasion, and was dismissed the service in 
consequence."^ 

Shortly after this event, Captain Tucker, upon whom the 
rank of commodore had been conferred, sailed on a cruise 
in the Boston. While out he fell in with a frigate much 
larger than his own and carried her by boarding. The 
mannes were led by Lieutenant Magee, a brave young officer, 
who was killed the moment his feet struck the enemy's deck. 
Captain Tucker, who had brought his ship gun to gun with 
the British frigate, leaped into the midst of his adversaries, 
cutting down all before him. The loss of life on board the 
frigate was very great, and she soon struck her colors and 
became the prize of the Boston. 

During the latter part of October, or early in the month 
of November, 1777, the brigantine Penet, Captain John 
Harris, of Marblehead, master, sailed for the port of Nantes, 
in the kingdom of France. Captain Harris was charged by 
the Board of War with the important duty of conveyino- 
Mr. Austin, who carried important papers from the govern- 
ment, to the first port that could be made in France or Spain. 
The passage was made in safety, and the Penet returned 
with a cargo and several seamen who had been discharo-ed 
from American ships in France. Captain Harris subse- 
quently sailed in private armed vessels, and in 1779 was 
sailing-master on board a ship commanded by Capt. John 
Conway, of Marblehead. On the 19th of November, of that 
year, they fell in with, and were captured by a British ship 
of a larger size than their own, though not without a spirited 
engagement. The American vessel was at length obliged to 
strike her colors. After the battle was over, and the Amer- 
ican seamen had surrendered themselves as prisoners, a lieu- 
tenant of the British ship seized a musket, and aiming at 
Captain Harris, shot him through the head, killing him in- 
stantly. The murder was deliberate and intentional, and is 
^ Cooper's Naval History. 



180 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

only one of many instances of brutality on the part of Brit- 
ish officers. 

On the 10th of February, 1778, Commodore Tucker, who 
had again been commissioned as commander of the Boston, 
received orders to carry the Hon. John Adams as envoy to 
France. Mr. Adams took with him his son, John Quincy 
Adams, then about eleven years of age. The Boston ex- 
perienced a great deal of unpleasant weather during the 
passage, and was several times chased by British cruisers 
which had been sent out to capture her. Commodore 
Tucker succeeded in eluding them all. On the 11th of 
March, he fell in with the armed ship INIartha, bound from 
London to New York with a valuable cargo. As the Bos- 
ton sailed up to her, the decks were cleared for action, and 
the men were at the guns ready for battle. Noticing Mr. 
Adams standing among the marines with a gun in his hand, 
Commodore Tucker in tones of authority ordered him to 
leave the deck. Mr. Adams, however, continued at his post, 
when, at last, Tucker seized him and forced him away, ex- 
claiming as he did so, " I am commanded by the Conti- 
nental Congress to deliver you safe in France, and you must 
go down below, sir." Mr. Adams accordingly left the deck. 
The Boston fired but one gun at the enemy, who returned 
three, and then struck his colors. The prize was manned 
and sent into Boston, and Tucker kept on his course to 
France, arriving at Bordeaux on the 31st of March. On 
the 11th of May, the Boston, having refitted, again put to 
sea. Between the 19th and 23d of June, Tucker captured 
three prizes," one of which was sent to Boston and the other 
two to L' Orient. On the 3d of July the Boston jDut into 
L'Orient, where she remained until the 1st of August. 
Having sold his prizes. Tucker sailed for Nantes, where he 
was joined by Commodore Whipple, in the Providence. 
The next day, August 8, they sailed, and on the 14th ar- 
rived at Brest, where they were joined by the ship Ranger, 
commanded by Captain Simpson. On the 22d, the three 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 181 

ships sailed in company, and two days later they captured 
the brig Sally, Captain Ward. Early in September, Tucker 
gave chase to a brig called the Friends, and took it, and on 
the 9th, he captured the snow Adventure, Captain Symes. 
While crossing the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, the 
three frigates were separated, but subsequently they all 
arrived safely at Portsmouth. 

During the latter part of the year 1778, Captain John 
Lee, who for more than two years had been confined in 
Forton Prison, England, succeeded, by a most remarkable 
adventure, in effecting his escape. Throughout the entire 
period of his detention, as a prisoner of war, Captain Lee 
suffered the most cruel treatment. The cells were damp 
and cold, the provisions scanty, and of the meanest kind, 
and the bed-clothing was not sufficient to protect him from 
the deleterious effects of his comfortless position. Being 
without funds, he was unable to purchase even wearing 
apparel enough to decently cover his person, and in a short 
time his naturally robust and vigorous constitution was 
seriously impaired. Three times he attempted, with a few 
of his companions in misery, to effect an escape. They were 
detected, however, and as a punishment were confined in a 
filthy and comfortless apartment called the " Black Hole," 
where their sufferings were greatly increased. 

When again allowed the range of the large apartments 
and yard of the prison, he was informed by one of the 
officers of the establishment that there was a person at the 
gate, who had been authorized and desired to have an inter- 
view with him. On going to the entrance of the prison he 
found a well, but plainly dressed gentleman, who, as soon as 
he presented himself, asked : " Are you Captain John Lee 
of Marblehead ? " and being answered in the aflarmative, he 
presented a purse containing seventy-five guineas. 

Captain Lee asked in astonishment, to whom he was in- 
debted for such a timely and most acceptable present. 
" No matter," was the answer, and then the gentleman ob- 



182 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

served : " With a part of those funds, purchase, or procure 
in some manner, a complete suit of uniform, like those worn 
by the soldiers of the guard ; and this evening place your- 
self in some obscure corner or position, from whence, when 
they go the rounds, you can unperceived fall into the ranks, 
and come out into the yard. But as there are sentinels who 
must be passed before you reach the street, the countersign 
will be required ; " which was then whispered in his ear, 
and the unknown gentleman disappeared. 

By using the gold freely and adroitly, during the day, 
Captain Lee was enabled to obtain the requisite dress, and 
following the instructions which he had received, he fell into 
the ranks as the guard passed through the prison, and soon 
reached the yard. Then, giving the countersign, he passed 
the guard at the outer gate, and found himself alone in the 
street. The night was very dark, and the roads were en- 
tirely unknown to him, so that he did not know where to 
go, or what next to do. While he was endeavoring to come 
to some decision, in this perplexing dilemma, the gentleman 
who gave him tbe purse came up, and taking him by the 
hand, congratulated him upon his good fortune. Then, 
conducting him to a carriage which was waiting at a little 
distance, the gentleman requested him to enter it, and 
stated that the coachman had instructions where to convey 
him. As he entered the carriage the gentleman wished 
him a prosperous and safe return to America, and was about 
taking his leave, when Captain Lee again asked to whom 
he w^as indebted for such a humane and generous act ? He 
answered " No matter ; " and after directing the coachman 
to move off, he bowed and said, " Farewell, God bless you,'" 
and was soon out of sight. On his arrival in America, 
Captain Lee related the circumstances of his escape to his 
brother. Col. William R. Lee, and expressed a strong desire 
to know who the gentleman could have been, and what were 
his motives for extending assistance to an utter stranger 
and a natural enemy. Colonel Lee replied : " I can inform 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 183 

you. When General Burgoyne and bis army arrived at 
Cambridge as prisoners of war, I bad tbe command of tbe 
troops wbicb were stationed tbere as a guard ; and again 
for several montbs previous to bis departure for England. 
Wben I waited upon bim, to take leave on tbe day of bis 
departure, be tbanked me in tbe most cordial manner for 
my attentions, and, as be expressed it, tbe gentlemanly and 
honorable manner in which I had treated bim and bis offi- 
cers, and wished to know whether tbere was anything which 
he could do for me, when he reached England. I informed 
him, I had a brother who for more than two years bad been 
confined in Forton Prison ; and as he was entirely destitute 
of funds, I should consider it a great favor if he would take 
charge of seventy-five guineas, and cause them to be de- 
livered to him on bis arrival. He replied : ' Why did you 
not inform me before, that you bad a brotlier a prisoner in 
England ? You shall not send any money to bim ; I will 
see that it is supplied, and shall with the greatest pleasure 
do everything in my power to render his situation as com- 
fortable as possible.' I tbanked him for bis generous 
proffer of services, but informed him that I could not con- 
sent to receive pecuniary aid, and desired as a special favor 
that he would be so kind as to deliver you the purse wbicb 
I put into bis band. ' It shall be done,' he said, ' and you 
may be assured that I shall find him out, and see that he is 
well provided for in all respects.' Thus, it is evident that 
you are indebted to General Burgoyne for your fortunate 
escape from the horrors of a prison." ^ 

During the spring and summer of 1779, Commodore 
Tucker, in tbe frigate Boston, sailed on several remarkably 
successful crui es. During the month of June alone, he 
captured seven prizes, six of which were armed vessels. Of 
these, the most important were tbe Pole, a frigate of two 
hundred tons burden, mounting twenty-four guns, and the 
sloop of war Thorn, mounting sixteen guns. The Pole was 
1 From the Manuscript Life of Col. W. R. Lee. 



184 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

captured witliout the firing of a gun on either side. As 
soon as Tucker saw the ship in the distance, he knew her to 
be a British frigate, and boldly sailed up to her. Disguising 
his own ship with English colors, he prepared for action, 
and, having obtained a commanding positioii, hoisted the 
American flag and ordered an instant surrender. The com- 
mander of the British frigate, seeing that resistance was in 
vain, struck his colors. The prize was subsequently sold for 
£103,000, the sale of the coal and provisions found on board 
increasing the amount to nearly one hundred and twenty 
thousand pounds. 

In the mean time. Commodore Manly, who two years be- 
fore had been captured by the British and sent to prison, 
was exchanged. Upon regaining his freedom, he at once 
assumed command of the privateer Cumberland. While 
cruising in her, he was captured by the British frigate Po- 
mena, and carried into Barbadoes, where he and his officers 
were impi'isoned. All their applications- to obtain paroles 
were rejected. They finally succeeded in effecting an es- 
cape, and seizing a sloop, sailed for Martinico, where they 
arrived in safety. Manly was afterwards in command of 
the privateer Jason, which had been captured from the Brit- 
ish shortly before his escape. While on a cruise, during 
the month of July, he was attacked by two British priva- 
teers, one of eighteen guns, and the other of sixteen. In 
the engagement which ensued, Manly behaved with great 
bravery, and reserved his fire until he came close up with 
his adversaries. Running between them, he first discharged 
a broadside into the eighteen-gun vessel, killing and wound- 
ing nearly thirty of her crew. He then gave her consort 
the other broadside, when both vessels surrendered, and be- 
came his prizes. 

In July, Commodore Tucker, in the Boston, sailed on a 
cruise in company with the frigate Deane, commanded by 
Captain Nicholson. On the 15th they captured the priva- 
teer Enterprise, of seventeen guns and eighty men, and 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 185 

shortly after the sloop-of-war Mermaid, a tender of the frig- 
ate Vigihmt. During a part of the time, the Boston and 
Deane were accompanied by the United States frigate Con- 
federacy. A large number of prizes were taken during this 
cruise, thirteen of which were taken by the Boston alone 
without the assistance of the other frigates. Among their 
captures was the ship Earl of Glencairn, mounting twenty 
guns, with a cargo of dry goods, the invoice of which 
amounted to .£40,000, besides four hundred barrels of pro- 
visions, and fifty puncheons of rum. They also took the brig 
Venture, bound from Madeira to New York, with one hun- 
dred and fifty pipes of Madeira wine ; and four British pri- 
vateers, which were sent into Philadelphia, 

In November of this year, the letter of marque Freema- 
son, Capt. Benjamin Boden, sailed from Marblehead to Mar- 
tinico. She carried six guns and fifteen men. On her pas- 
sage she was taken by a British privateer sloop, mounting 
sixteen guns. The captain, second mate, and a boy, were 
left on board the Freemason, but the first mate, Robert 
Wormsted, with the rest of the crew, was carried on board 
the privateer. The prisoners were handcuffed and thrust 
into the hold, and at night the hatchway was closed. Here, 
Wormsted conceived a plan of escape which was successfully 
executed. His handcuffs were so large that he could with 
little exertion get rid of them and set the rest at liberty. 
He proposed rising upon the privateer the next day, when 
the captain should be taking the sun. At first the attempt 
was thought to be too desperate, they being so few in num- 
ber compared with the crew on board. At length, however, 
Wormsted prevailed with his companions, .and they solemnly 
bound themselves to do their utmost. His plan was to 
spring upon deck and knock down the captain, and they 
were to follow and do their part. At twelve o'clock the 
next day their courage was put to the test, and in a few mo- 
ments the captain and many others were laid prostrate upon 
the deck. Their pistols were taken and aimed at the enemy 



186 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

in the cabin, who surrenclered without opposition. Worm- 
sted then bore down upon the schooner and ordered her to 
strike her colors. Captain Boden cried for joy, and his 
captors were as much chagrined as astonished at this unex- 
pected reverse of fortune. Wormsted, as commander, had 
the English flag lowered, and the American hoisted. Hav- 
ing ordered the British officers and sailors to be handcuffed 
and thrust into the hold, he appointed Captain Boden prize- 
master, and directed him to steer for Guadaloupe. There 
in due time they arrived in triuuiph, and were received with 
unusual testimonials of exultation. The crew of the priva- 
teer were sent to prison and the prize was sold at auction. 
Having loaded his vessel, Wormsted sailed for Massachu- 
setts, and on the second day was again captured and lost 
everything." ^ 

On the 20th of November the frigate Boston, Commodore 
Tucker, in company with the frigates Providence, Queen 
of France, and Ranger, was ordered to proceed without de- 
lay to the harbor of Charleston, S. C, where they arrived 
during the latter part of the following month. The squad- 
ron was under the command of Commodore Whipple. The 
frigates remained in the harbor during the entire win- 
ter and spring, and, during the thirty days' siege by the 
British, rendered efficient service in defense of the city. 
Commodore Tucker, with a party of picked marines, suc- 
ceeded in demolishing the Beacon Light-house and Fort 
Johnson, both of which it was feared might be of great ser- 
vice to the enemy. The work in both instances was attended 
with great peril, as the men were obliged to land in boats 
and perform their labor directly under the guns of the Brit- 
ish fleet. The undertaking was executed with the utmost 
secresy, and its successful accomplishment was hailed with 
delight by the American authoriti"S. On the lltli of. May, 
after having withstood a siege of thirty days' duration, Gen- 
eral Lincoln, who was in command of the American forces, 
1 Aldun's Collections. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 187 

surrendered, and Charleston fell into the hands of the Brit- 
ish. Commodore Tucker was the last of the squadron to 
strike his flag, and at the conclusion of the action a special 
order was sent to him to do so. " I do not think much of 
striking m}^ flag to your present force," replied Tucker, "• for 
I have struck more of your flags than are now flying in this 
harbor." 

An account of the first cruise of the sloop-of-war Thorn, 
after her capture from the British, and of the subsequent 
attempt to seize and restore her to her former owners, has 
been given in another chapter. On the second cruise of the 
Thorn, Capt. Richard Cowell, of Marblehead, was appointed 
commander, and she had a crew of one hundred and twenty 
men. Being a very enterprising and brave officer, he made 
many captures, to man out which took so many of his sea- 
men that his crew was reduced to only sixty, including offi- 
cers and boys. He therefore concluded to return to port for 
the purpose of obtaining a reenforcement of seamen. 

Within a few days after having commenced his homeward 
passage, he fell in with the British letter of marque St. 
David, of twenty-two guns. He first asked the opinion of 
his officers as to the expediency of engaging a ship of such 
superior size and armament, and apparently fully manned. 
Finding that the officers were in favor of attacking her, he 
ordered the crew to be mustered, and having represented to 
them the great disparity of force between the two ships, he 
observed, " Still your officers are anxious to attack her ; are 
you ready to go into action ? " They instantly gave three 
hearty cheers, as an emphatic affirmative response. The 
Thorn immediately ran down alongside of the enemy, and 
began a desperate engagement at close quarters. The con- 
test lasted an hour and a half, when the St. David struck 
her colors. On boarding her it was found that she had a 
crew of one hundred and seventy men, having taken on 
board seventy marines from a transport, which she had fallen 
in with in distress. The captain was mortally wounded, and 



188 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

one third of the crew killed or wounded. Her cargo con- 
sisted of six hundred puncheons of Jamaica spirit. Captain 
Cowell put an officer and twenty-five men on board the 
prize, and ordered him to make the nearest port ; but the 
ship was never heard of again. 

On the next cruise of the Thorn, she was commanded by 
Commodore Tucker, wlio had been released from his parole 
given at Charleston by being exchanged for a British officer 
of equal rank. The crew of the Thorn was composed of 
eighty-one men and eighteen boys. " She had been cruising 
about three weeks, when they fell in with the Lord Hyde, 
an English packet of twenty-two guns and one hundred 
men. As the two vessels drew near, the commanders hailed 
each other in the customary way when ships meet at sea, 
and the captain of the English packet cried out roughly from 
the quarter-deck — 

" Haul down your colors, or I '11 sink you." 
"Ay, ay, sir, directly," replied Tucker, calmly and com- 
placently ; and he then ordered the helmsman to steer the 
Thorn right under the stern of the packet, luff up under 
her lee quarters, and range alongside her. The order was 
promptly executed. Tlie two vessels were laid side by side 
within pistol-shot of each other. While the Thorn was get- 
ting into position, the enemy fired a full broadside at her, 
which did but little damage., As soon as she was brought 
completely alongside her adversary. Tucker thundered to his 
men to fire, and a tremendous discharge followed, and, as 
good aim had been taken, a dreadful carnage was seen in 
that ill-fated vessel. It was rapidly succeeded by a fresh 
volley of artillery, and in twenty minutes a piercing cry was 
heard from the English vessel : " Quarter, for God's sake ! 
Our ship is sinking ! Our men are dying of their wounds ! " 
To this heart-rending appeal. Commodore Tucker replied : 
" How can you expect quarters while that British flag is fly- 
ino; ? " The sad answer came back : " Our halliards are 
shot away ! " " Then cut away your ensign-mast, or you '11 



OF MAEBLEHEAD. 189 

all be dead men." It was done immediately ; down came 
the colors ; the din of cannonading ceased, and only the 
groans of the wounded and dying were heard. Thirty-four 
of the crew of the prize, with the captain, were either killed 
or wounded. Her decks were besmeared with blood, and 
in some places it stood in clotted masses to the tops of the 
sailors' slippers." ^ On going on board the prize. Commo- 
dore Tucker is said to have exclaimed, as he witnessed the 
suffering of the wounded, " Would to God I had never seen 
her ! " 

During the year 1780, while cruising in the ship Marquis, 
of sixteen guns, many of which were small four-pounders, 
Capt. Richard Cowell fell in with a British letter of marque. 
She mounted twenty-four guns, and a complete set of men, 
far superior in numbers to his own. Relying, however, on 
the spirit and bravery of his officers and crew, he laid his 
ship alongside the enemy, and continued there for nearly 
three hours. So near were the two ships in this situation 
that the sponges were frequently taken from one to the other 
while the men were in the act of loading. One man on 
board the Marquis was nearly taken out of the port at which 
he was stationed, by one of the crew of the enemy. This 
gallant and heroic action would undoubtedly have resulted 
in a glorious victory for Captain Cowell ; but the enemy, 
after having expended all his ammunition, hauled off from 
his opponent, and the disabled state of the spars and rig- 
ging of the Marquis prevented the gallant captain from pur- 
suing him. 

In March, 1781, Commodore Tucker, who had again sailed 
in the Thorn, captured two prizes, one of which was a ship 
from Liverpool, mounting sixteen six-pounders, bound to 
Charlestown with a cargo of brandy and dry goods. The 
other was a packet from Jamaica bound to London. The en- 
gagement lasted two hours, during which the packet had 
four men killed and fourteen wounded. Not a man was 

1 Sheppard's Life of Tucker. 



190 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

lost on board the Thorn. Daring the montli of May, and 
early in June, Tucker captured three prizes, namely, a sloop 
from St. Eustatia bound to Halifax, a letter of marque brig 
of fourteen guns, bound from Antigua to Quebec, laden with 
rum and molasses, and a scow laden with three hundred 
hogsheads of sugar. 

Shortly after this, he captured the English ship Elizabeth 
of twenty guns. The ship was bound for Halifax under 
convoy with the brig Observer of sixteen, and the sloop-of- 
war Howe, of fourteen guns. Ascertaining that two smaller 
vessels with valuable cargoes were sailing under protection 
of the convoy, Tucker determined to intercept them. On 
the appearance of the fleet Tucker hoisted the English flag 
and boldly sailed into the midst of them. Coming up be- 
tween the Elizabeth and the Observer, he made friendly in- 
quiries of them, and then, as if by accident, managed to get 
his vessel entangled with the Elizabeth. When all was in 
readiness. Tucker lowered the English flag and hoisted the 
American, at the same time giving orders to fire a broad- 
side. The Elizabeth fired at the same time. Before the 
Enghsh captain had time to discharge another gun, thirty 
picked men from the Thorn boarded his vessel. Obtaining 
possession of the deck, they drove the crew below, and 
hauled down the colors. The brig and the sloop-of-war 
then attempted an attack upon the Thorn, but Tucker as- 
sumed a threatening attitude, and after the sloop-of-war had 
discharged a broadside both vessels sailed away. During 
the engagement the Thorn had nine men killed and fourteen 
wounded. 

During the latter part of the month of July, the Thorn 
was captured by the British frigate Hind. She was cap- 
tured near the mouth of the River St. Lawrence, and Com- 
modore Tucker, with his crew of eighty men, was landed at 
the Island of St. John's, to be conveyed to Halifax. 

Shortly after they were landed at St. John's, Tucker and 
the officers of the Thorn were placed in an open boat for 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 191 

tlie purpose of being carried to Halifax. A verbal promise 
was exacted from Tucker, that he would coast along the 
shore and proceed direct for Halifax ; but he was over- 
powered by his officers, who were determined to escape. 
They accordingly sailed across Massachusetts Bay, and about 
the middle of August arrived at Boston in safety. 

This was the last cruise made by Commodore Tucker 
during the Revolutionary war. His biographer claims that 
he " took more prizes, fought more sea-fights, and gained 
more victories, than, with a very few exceptions, any naval 
hero of the age." And it is true. 

In the latter part of the year, Capt. Robert Wormsted, 
of Marblehead, sailed in a privateer from Salem. When off 
the coast of Nova Scotia, he fell in with an English armed 
vessel, and being in danger of capture, ran his vessel ashore 
and abandoned her. After traveling for some time through 
the woods, Wormsted and his men again came to the 
water, where they found an open boat, which they seized 
and at once sailed for New England. On their passage, 
they fell in with a vessel from Cork, laden with linens, but- 
ter, candles, etc., which had been taken by the Americans 
and re-taken by the British. Captain Wormsted and his 
crew boarded and took her by surprisal without arms. 
They were shortly after chased by a British vessel, which 
bore down upon them so rapidly, that they were obliged 
once more to have recourse to their boat. Hastily throwing 
in a few stores, and other articles, they made their escape, 
and finally arrived in Marblehead. 

During the month of November, 1782, the ship St. 
Helena, commanded by Captain John Still well, sailed with a 
fleet from Havana for Philadelphia. She mounted twenty 
guns between decks, — ten of which, however, were of 
wood, — and had under convoy fifteen American vessels, 
which had previously been subjected to an embargo. On 
the day they were permitted to leave port, the St. Helena, 
in attempting to get under way, met with a disaster which 



192 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

detained her till sunset. The fleet was beating backward 
and forward during the night, which was dark, waiting for 
the convoy. The St. Helena passed and repassed a num- 
ber of the vessels. In the mean time several guns were 
heard, supposed to be from one of the fleet. At length, 
about midnight, she was saluted with a broadside. It was 
something wholly unexpected ; the men were fatigued ; no 
one seemed to know his station, and great confusion ensued. 
Some of the guns, however, were soon got into operation, 
and the firing continued till daylight, when the antagonist 
was found to be His Britannic ]\Iajesty's brig Lively, com- 
manded by Captain Michael Stanhope. The St. Helena 
was also within reach of the guns of the Jupiter, a ship of 
the line. Of course, lier colors were lowered, and the men 
taken on board the Lively. Six days afterwards, it was dis- 
covered that the crew of the St. Helena were preparing to 
rise. All the ' men were consequently confined below, and 
were suffered to come up only through a narrow grating one 
at a time, the hatchway being constantly guarded by a sen- 
tinel. After six days' close confinement, five of the Ameri- 
cans, namely, Anthony Garner, John Prince,^ Setli Farrow, 
Leiois liussell,^ and Nathan Walker, concerted a plan for 
taking the brig. Accordingly, about noon. Walker disarmed 
the sentinel, took out the bar which fastened the hatchway, 
and the other four instantly rushed upon deck, fought in a 
most desperate manner, and in a few moments took the ves- 
sel.^ The number of Americans on board the Lively was 
forty-six. They immediately bore away for Havana, and 
upon their arrival at that port, a committee was chosen to 
sell the prize and settle with the crew. Of this committee, 
John Prince was chairman, and after having disposed of the 
prize, he submitted the following report : ^ — 
1 Of Marblehead. 2 Alden's Collections. 8 From original manuscript. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 193 

" Brig and materials $18,000.00 

Cash on board 1,827.00 

One negro 380.00 

Sundry goods sold on board . . . 124.00 



$20,331.00 



After deducting sundry expenses amounting to $1,556, the 
money was divided among the crew." 

The end of the year 1782 closed the maritime war of the 
American Revokition. As it had been begun by the men 
of Marblehead, so it was reserved for a Marblehead com- 
mander to close it with a brilliant achievement. Commo- 
dore Manly, who, in 1775, hoisted the first American flag,^ 
and on board the little schooner Lee made the first impor- 
tant capture of the war, had been appointed to the command 
of the United States frigate Hague. While cruising about 
the West Indies, he was chased by an English seventy-four, 
and grounded on a sand-bank near Guadaloupe. Three 
ships of the line having joined the seventy-four, they came 
to anchor within gunshot of the Hague. With springs on 
their cables they opened a most tremendous fire. Commo- 
dore Manly supported this cannonade for three days. On 
the fourth day he succeeded in extricating his ship from her 
perilous position, when, hoisting Continental colors at the 
maintop-gallant-mast, he fired thirteen guns as a farewell 
defiance, and boldly sailed away. In due time the Hague 
arrived safe in Boston. 

Shortly after this, early in the year 1783, Captain Am- 
brose James sailed from St. Martin's for Marblehead. He 
had been out but a short time when his schooner was taken 
by an English cruiser and pillaged of every movable article 
on board, including five or six hundred dollars in cash. 

1 The ensign was the pine-tree flag, according to Colonel Reed, who in a 
letter to Colonels Glover and Moylan, dated October 20, 1775, said: "Please 
to fix some particular color for a flag and signal by which our vessels may 
know one another. What do you think of a white ground, a tree in the midtUe, 
the motto, ' Appeal to Heaven V" — Lossing, vol. i., 576. 
13 



194 THE HISTOKY AND TRADITIONS 

The commander of the cruiser theu ransomed the schooner 
for one hundred Johannes, and took Captain James's note 
of hand as security for the payment. The vessel subse- 
quently arrived in Marblehead without further molesta- 
tion. 

/ Many years after the close of the Revolutionary War, 
/ several of those who had taken a part in the struggle were 
living in Marblehead. They were all aged men, and pen- 
sioners of the government. One of their number, who had 
represented the town in both branches of the State legisla- 
ture, and who was at the time a justice of the peace, ob- 
tained from each of these veterans a deposition of his expe- 
rience duraig the war. As in nearly every instance they 
were engaged the greater proportion of their time in pri- 
vateering, it is fitting that the brief narrative of their ex- 
perience as contained in these interesting depositions should 
close this chapter.^ 

Geoege Cash served as a private in Captain Merritt's 
company, of Glover's regiment. 

Mason Haeeis, a sergeant in Captain Selman's com- 
pany. Marched to Cambridge, June 22, 1775 ; returned to 
Marblehead, December 31, 1775. In 1778, at Rhode Island 
forty-five days. 

William Haeeis, a soldier in Capt. Samuel R. Trevett's 
artillery company in 1775. At Cambridge May 24 ; returned 
June 22. In January, 1776, enlisted in Colonel Hitchcock's 
regiment and was at Cambridge about three months, having 
entered for "during the war." Hired a man to take his 
place, and sailed with Captain Forrester in the sloop Rover. 
Afterwards sailed with Captain Cole in the Coronet ; then 
with Captain Cowell in the ship Marquis, and subsequently 
with Captain Reed, in the same ship. His last cruise was 
with Captain Vallison, in the schooner Hawk. 

1 These depositions were taken in 1830 by Capt. John Prince, and were 
copied from the original especially for this work. The oldest of the deponents 
was eighty-five years of age, the youngest sixty-nine. 



OF MAEBLEHEAD. 195 

William Bean, a private in Captain Selman's company. 
Then sailed with Capt. John White, in the sloop Revenge. 
Afterwards with Captain Warren, in the brig Handen, and 
subsequently in the Springbird, four cruises. His last cruise 
was in the letter of marque Freemason. 

Richard Martin, a private in Captain Selman's com- 
pany in 1775. In November of that year sailed with Cap- 
tain Selman on the expedition to St. John's Island. Was 
steward and pilot on board. Afterwards enlisted in the 
fort for one year, and subsequently sailed in the Spring- 
bird. 

George Tucker, a soldier in the fort during the year 
1775. Afterwards sailed with Captain Fettyplace, in the 
sloop Odione ; then with Captain Hamilton, in the ship 
Jason. His last cruise was with Captain Tucker, in the 
schooner Hancock. 

Abram Moss,^ a lieutenant in Capt. Norman Bancroft's 
company. Was stationed at Bunker Hill for three months 
to guard General Burgoyne's troops. Afterwards went 
privateering with Captain Hamilton, in the ship Jason. 
Then sailed on a cruise with Captain Cross, in the brig 
Tiger, and was captured and carried to St. John's, New- 
foundland. On being released he sailed with Captain Neal 
in the ship Viper, and was again captured and taken into 
Halifax. From there he went to St. Thomas, in the West 
Indies, and from thence to Hayti. On a voyage from Hayti 
to Portsmouth, N. H., he was again captured and carried to 
Charleston, S. C. From there he was sent on board a trans- 
port to New York, and then carried to Newfoundland. 

Charles Florence, a fifer in a Pennsylvania regiment. 
I'he day after the enemy left Bunker Hill, marched on to 
it, and saw the " kittles " on the fire left by them. Was 
there about five weeks. Afterwards sailed with Captain 
Cole, in the schooner Oliver Cromwell, and manned out 

1 This name was TindoubtetUy Morse ; iu the Marblehead veruaciilar, how- 
eveij it would be iJi-ouounced as writteD iu the deposition. 



196 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

eleven prizes. Then sailed with Captain Vallison in the 
schooner Hawk, and took a large Jamaica ship laden with 
sugar. While on a cruise with Captain Graves, in the brig 
Eagle, he was captured, and sent to Quebec, where he re- 
mained eighteen months. He was then transferred to Hali- 
fax, and from thence to New York, where he was confined 
on board the prison ship " Old Jersey." While he was on 
board this floating prison, a ship arrived from Yorktown 
with a number of British officers, who had been taken with 
Cornwallis, and released on parole. Ten of the prisoners, 
of whom he was one, were put on board the American ship, 
with instructions to return to Yorktown in her, and deliver 
her to the authorities, which was done. On his return 
from Yorktown, Florence sailed in the brig Peacock, and 
after being out three days was captured by a British frigate 
and carried to New York, where he was again confined on 
board the " Old Jersey." One month after, he was ex- 
changed, and traveled home, having been absent thirty-two 
months. A short time after arriving in INIarblehead, he 
went on a cruise in the privateer General Glover, Captain 
Caswell. They were out six weeks and took four prizes, all 
of wliich arrived at Salem. One of the prizes was loaded 
with munitions of war which the government took. His 
last cruise was with Captain Caswell, in the ship Rover. 
They were out nine months, and took two ships, one of 
which was laden with flour, the other with slaves. Both 
were carried into Martinico. Returned home in May, after 
the peace of 1783. 

Samuel Petees sailed with Captain Stiles, in the ship 
Traveller ; was captured and impressed into the British ser- 
vice. Was on board British ships seven years, and returned 
from London in a Salem brig after the declaration of peace. 

William Laskey sailed in the Springbird, and after- 
wards with Captain Twisden, in the Tornado. Subse- 
quently, while on a cruise in the schooner Bunker Hill, he 
was taken prisoner and confined thirteen months. During 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 197 

four months of the year 1776 he was stationed at Castle 
William. 

Thomas Brown arrived from Grand Bank in May, 1775, 
and during the next six months was in service at the fort. 
He then commanded a look-out schooner in the Bay. Af- 
terwards went on a cruise in the brig Massachusetts. She 
was out about two months, and took a brig mounting twenty 
guns. His next cruise was with Captain Thorndike, in the 
schooner Warren. On his next cruise, which was with Caj^ 
tain Bartlett in the brig Hampden, he was taken prisoner 
and carried to Dominico. From there he ran away, how- 
ever, and succeeded in making his escape, after which he 
shipped on board the ship Tyranicide, as mate. While 
cruising in this ship they took a valuable prize, which was 
sent into Boston. He then sailed in the privateer Brutus, 
which took three prizes. On a subsequent cruise, in the 
schooner Oliver Cromwell, he was taken prisoner and car- 
ried into Newfoundland. His last cruise was in the schooner 
Hancock, during which two prizes were taken. 

Samuel Giles sailed in 1778, with Captain Stiles, in 
the schooner Swan. They went to Baltimore in the State 
service and carried a load of flour. On their return they 
were captured by a British vessel on George's, and carried 
to Halifax. After his release, he sailed on four cruises in 
the brig Tiger, during which eighteen prizes were taken. 
His next cruise was in the ship Jack, of eighteen guns, Cap- 
tain Brown. After being out a short time they took five 
prizes. During another cruise with Capt. T. Colly er, in a 
ship of eighteen guns, a large ship loaded with provisions 
was captured. Giles subsequently sailed one cruise in the 
ship-of-war Thorn, during which four prizes were captured. 
He was afterwards on board the ship Jason. A short time 
after sailing, this ship fell in with and captured a British 
privateer brig of twenty guns, after an action of two hours. 
The captain, one of the Heutenants, and several sailors of 
the British brig, were killed. The Jason had seven men 



198 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

killed. The j^rize was dismantled and sent asliore. They 
soon after took another prize, which was sent in. 

After this, Mr. Giles sailed in the ship Henry, which, 
after taking several prizes, was captured by a British ship. 
The crew were sent to New York and put on board the frig- 
ate Balfour, in which they were carried to Jamaica and im- 
prisoned. Giles finally succeeded in escaping, and shipped 
on board a vessel bound for New York, where he arrived 
after peace had been declared. He returned to Marblehead 
about 1T83. 

Nicholas Bessom sailed from Boston in the brig Free- 
mason, March 24, 1779, on a voyage to France. The ship 
reached her destination in safety, and Teturned with a load 
of munitions of war for the army, the entire voyage occupy- 
ing about six ninths. He afterwards sailed a!» cruise in the 
brig Montgomery, and another with Captain Reed, in the 
Marquis. He subsequently sailed in the ship Buckamoor, 
and while on board a prize which she had captured, was 
taken prisoner and carried to Lisbon. 

Capt. Thomas Baeker arrived from fishing about the 
middle of May, 1775, and enhsted in Captain Trevett's com- 
pany of artillery. J^Iay 21, Mr. Whitwell preached a ser- 
mon to the artillery company at the Old Meeting-house. 
A few days after, the artillery company marched to Cam- 
bridge, and was in the battle of Bunker Hill. On his re- 
turn to Marblehead he was employed in rebuilding the fort, 
and afterwards enlisted in Captain Fettyplace's company, in 
which he was stationed at the fort until August, 1776. 
Soon after, he shipped on board the brig Massachusetts, 
Capt. Daniel Foster, and sailed on a cruise. After being 
out two or three weeks, they fell in with and captured an 
English brig, which had on board twenty-seven light horse 
for the British army. He was afterwards taken prisoner 
with " Jack Lee." 

Samuel Graves was in a company at the fort in 1775. 
Afterwards, Capt. Joseph Barker's company came to attend, 



OF MAEBLEHEAD. ' 199 

and he went to Westborough, where he remained till the 
peace of 1783. He returned with Captain Hooper in a 
company of artillery. 

William Hooper, Jr., was in Captain Hooper's com- 
pany, and came home with Captain Graves. Afterwards 
sailed in the Tyi-anicide. He was in the Rhode Island ex- 
pedition in 1778. 



200 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 



CHAPTER X. 

Though their fortunes had been seriously impaired by the 
fearful ravages of the war, the citizens of Marblehead were not 
disheartened. On the return of peace, with that determined 
spirit of enterprise for which they had ever been distin- 
guished, they entered at once upon their accustomed com- 
mercial pursuits. Under the direction of merchants of the 
character and ability of Col. William R. Lee, John Hooper, 
Thomas and Knott Pedrick, and a score of others equally 
well known and respected in their day and generation, large 
ships were fitted out, some of which made successful voyages 
to France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and the West Indies. 
The Grand Bank fisheries were also in a measure revived, 
and every attempt was made to restore the prosperity which 
the town enjoyed in the years before the war. It was not 
until these attempts were found to be well nigh futile, that 
the disastrous effects of the great struggle were realized. The 
days when ]\Iarblehead gave promise of being a great com- 
mercial port were gone ; and they were gone forever. The 
only' recourse of the inhabitants was to prosecute the fish- 
ing business, and in a few years it became almost the sole 
industry of the town. 

On Tuesday, November 2, 1784, the Marquis de Lafay- 
ette visited the tomi. The general was accompanied by 
the Chevalier Grandchamps, the Chevalier Caraman, and 
Samuel Breck, Esq., of Boston. The distinguished visitors 
were met on Salem road by a procession of prominent citi- 
zens, and escorted to the entrance of the town, where they 
were received with a band of music by a large concourse of 
people. As the procession marched into town the church 




Lee Mansion. 




St. Michael's Church. 



/ 

/ 

■ OF MARBLEHEAD. ^ • 201 

bells were rung, and the marquis was received on all sides 
with prolonged cheers, and cries of " Long life to the Mar- 
quis de Lafayette ! " Arriving at the residence of one of 
the citizens, he was introduced " to the gentlemen of the 
place," after which the following address was presented. 

" ^ir^ — The citizens of Marblehead with open arms and 
affectionate hearts welcome your return to the United 
States. 

" Your early attachment to the cause of America, — The 
Cause of Mankind, — your unremitting exertions and 
eminent services therein, — all conspire to reanimate our 
breasts with that superlative esteem and respect we have 
long entertained for the Marquis de Lafayette. 

" Our loss of men and property in the glorious conflict may 
deprive us of the pleasure of fully manifesting the principles 
of hospitality we feel on this joyful occasion ; but, sir, we 
are happy in this assurance, that your magnanimity will con- 
sider our circumstances as a misfortune, and not a fault. 

" We assure you, sir, with utmost sincerity, that we are 
deeply interested in your welfare, and happy when honored 
with your company ; and we flatter ourselves that the pres- 
ent interview is only a prelude to similar favors from your- 
self and friends who now accompany you." 

The reply of the Marquis was as follows : — 

" G-entlemen, While I have the satisfaction once more to 
enter a town which so early fought and so freely bled in the 
great conflict, admiration mingles with the tender concerns 
of a sympathizing heart. But, amidst our regrets of brave 
men who had the honor to fall in their country's cause, I 
rejoice in the virtuous spirit and animating industry re- 
markable in the remaining sons of Marblehead. May your 
losses be an hundred fold repaired by all the blessings of 
peace and plenty. And may your numerous posterity, in 
the preservation of that liberty so gloriously purchased, ever 
venerate the memory of their ancestors. 

" Equally proud of your esteem, and happy in your friend- 



202 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

ship, gentlemen, I heartily thank you for your kind wishes, 
and so honorable a welcome, and will most pleasingly antici- 
pate every opportunity to present you with the affectionate 
tribute of my respect and gratitude." 

General Lafayette was then escorted to another private 
residence, represented in the newspaper reports as a " gen- 
teel House," where a grand dinner was served. After din- 
ner, an hour was devoted to speeches, and the customary 
thirteen toasts were drank, the sentiment offered by Lafay- 
ette being, " The town of Marblehead, and unbounded suc- 
cess to its fisheries." 

At six o'clock General Lafayette and his friends departed 
as they had come, amid the booming of cannon, the ringing 
of bells, and the joyful acclamations of the people. 

With the expectation that the visitors would remain in 
town over night, arrangements had been made for a grand 
ball in the evening ; but other engagements rendered it nec- 
essary for them to decline the invitation, and the citizens 
were deprived of their company on the occasion. 

The unsettled condition of affairs at the close of the Rev- 
olutionary War, together with the great increase of debts, 
both public and private, had for several years been breeding 
discontent among the people of INIassachusetts. Conven- 
tions of delegates had been held in various towns in the 
counties of Middlesex, Berkshire, Hampshire, Bristol, and 
Worcester, and the most inflammatory appeals had been 
made to incite the people against the lawfully constituted 
authorities of the State. The effect of these incendiary 
appeals was soon apparent. IMobs of armed men, under the 
lead of demagogues as unprincipled and deluded as their 
followers, assembled in the towns of Concord, Taunton, and 
Great Barrington, and prevented the courts of justice from 
assembling. The rioters numbered from two hundred to 
eight hundred men. Before the end of September, these 
riotous proceedings had developed into a formidable insur- 
rection, which continued to increase until about eighteen 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 203 

hundred men, under the lead of Daniel Shays and Luke 
Day, defied all civil and militar}^ authority, and spread con- 
sternation and alarm throughout the State. Prompt and 
decisive measures were taken by the governor and the 
General Court for the suppression of the rebellion, and a 
force of nearly five thousand men under Generals Lincoln, 
Shepard, and Brooks, was sent to rout the malcontents. 
Quiet was soon restored in the eastern counties ; but in the 
west, where the rebellion had assumed more formidable pro- 
portions, the task was much more difficult. On the 25th of 
January, 1787, the insurgents made a concerted attack upon 
the arsenal at Springfield. The post was defended by Gen- 
eral Shepard, with about eleven hundred men, and the 
rebels were routed in great confusion. Four men were 
killed, and though the leaders made every effort to rally 
their forces, the mob retreated in disorder. They were pur- 
sued from one place to another, and finally, early in Feb- 
ruary, were effectually routed. 

Rumors had been in circulation for some time that the 
citizens of JNIarblehead were in sympathy with the insur- 
gents. Though the injustice of the stigma was keenly felt, 
the people suffered it to pass in silence, awaiting their own 
good time to refute it. On the 7th of February a town 
meeting was held, at which a vote was passed expressing 
the hearty concurrence of the citizens in the measures 
adopted by the government for the suppression of the rebel- 
lion. Measures were also adopted for raising recruits and 
offering bounties, and a committee was chosen to " receive 
subscriptions of money, provisions, arms, ammunition, and 
clothing, to be repaid out of the next town tax." Peace 
was soon restored, however, a large proportion of the insur- 
gents availed themselves of the clemency of the government, 
and took the oath of allegiance, and sixteen of the leaders 
were convicted of treason and sentenced to death. 

On the 29th of May, 1787, the Constitutional Convention, 
composed of delegates from all the States, met in Philadel- 



204 THE fflSTORY AND TRADITIONS 

phia. The articles of confederation which formed the only 
"cord of connection between the States" had been "tried 
and found wanting," and the necessity of a more perfect 
union was seen and felt throughout the country. The dele- 
gates from Massachusetts were Francis Dana, Elbridge 
Gerry, Nathaniel Gorham, Rufus King, and Caleb Strong. 
Though Mr. Gerry labored earnestly throughout the entire 
session of the convention to secure " a constitution adequate 
to the exigencies of the government and the preservation of 
the Union," he was one of the sixteen members who with- 
held their signatures from the document when completed. 
In his report to the Massachusetts Legislature, giving the 
reason for this action, he says : " It was painful to me, on a 
subject of such national importance, to differ from the rcr 
spectable members who signed the Constitution. But con- 
ceiving as I did that the liberties of America were not se- 
cured by the system, it was my duty to oppose it." 

" My principal objections to the plan are, that there is no 
adequate provision for a representation of the people ; that 
they have no security for the right of election ; that some 
of the powers of the legislature are ambiguous, and others 
indefinite and dangerous ; that the executive is blended with 
and will have an undue influence over the legislature ; that 
the judicial department will be oppressive ; that treaties of 
the highest importance may be formed by the president, 
with the advice of two thirds of a quorum of the senate, 
and that the system is without the security of a bill of 
rights." 

The instrument was referred to the several States for rat- 
ification, the Convention of Massachusetts being held at the 
State House in Boston on the 9th of January, 1788. The 
delegates from Marblehead, chosen at a town meeting held 
on the 3d of the previous month, were Isaac Mansfield, 
Azor Orne, Jonathan Glover, and John Glover, all of whom 
voted in favor of the adoption of the instrument. 

Of the subsequent events, resulting in the election of 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 205 

George Wasliington and John Adams as President and Vice- 
president of the United States, and the peaceful establish- 
ment of the national government, it is not within the prov- 
ince of this work to treat. The elevation of these patriots 
to the two highest offices in the gift of the people gave un- 
bounded satisfaction in Marblehead, as elsewhere. For Mr. 
Adams, especially, the citizens of Marblehead entertained 
feelings of the deepest gratitude for his inestimable services 
" in preserving to the United States of America in the 
Treaty of Peace the extensive advantage of the cod-fishery." 
These advantages were considered as especially beneficial to 
Marblehead, and the citizens, in the f ulhiess of their hearts, 
resolved to present Mr. Adams with an address, and some 
slight testimonial of their appreciation of his efforts in their 
behalf. Accordingly, on the 6th of March, 1789, a town 
meeting was held, at which it was voted to " present his Ex- 
cellency John Adams, Esq., with six quintals of table fish," 
accompanied by the following address, drawn up by a com- 
mittee chosen for that purpose : — 

«An Address to His Excellency John Adams, Esq. 

" Sir : The Inhabitants of Marblehead, in common with 
their fellow-countrymen, have ever felt strongly impressed 
with sentiments of gratitude and satisfaction for the eminent 
services rendered by you to the United States of America 
in all their foreign negotiations which have been committed 
to your charge ; in considering the result of those negotia- 
tions we find ourselves under very peculiar obligations to 
your faithful and unshaken patronage of the fishery, which 
we apprehend to have been in danger from the politics and 
interests of powerful nations. We therefore, being now 
legally assembled in Town Meeting, pray your excellency to 
accept this our unanimous address as expressing our sense 
of those essential benefits which we now enjoy in the pres- 
ervation of the fishery, for which we believe ourselves more 
especially indebted to your excellency. While we are en- 



206 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

joying the fullness of those benefits, we pray your excellency 
will indulge us to furnish your table with a small share of 
the fruits of your good services, which we wish may be ac- 
ceptable as a mark of our gratitude." 

The committee, consisting of ]\Iessrs, Marston Watson, 
Joshua Orne, and Thomas Lewis, by whom the address was 
reported, were instructed to forward it to Mr. Adams, to- 
gether with the fish. 

During the year 1788, or early in the year 1789, several 
influential citizens, who appreciated the necessity of greater 
educational advantages for the youth of the town, contrib- 
uted the funds for the establishment of an academy. These 
gentlemen, who styled themselves " benefactors," were Sam- 
uel Sewall, Robert Hooper, Samuel Hooper, William Ray- 
mond Lee, Elisha Story, Samuel Russell Trevett, John 
Humphreys, John Goodwin, Marston Watson, Richard Ho- 
man, Joseph Sewall, Samuel Bartoll, John Dixie, Richard 
Pedrick, Ebenezer Graves, and Burrill Devereux. In a 
short time a building was erected, which is still standing on 
Pleasant Street, and Mr. William Harris, a gentleman who 
had been studying medicine with a physician in Salem, was 
employed as preceptor. The first public exhibition by the 
pupils was held on the 6th of July, 1789, when " the youth 
by their just pronunciation, and pleasing manners, gained 
the approbation of a large and very respectable audience." ^ 
" The benefactors of the academy, and the parents of the 
youth," remarked one of the county papers, " were amply 
rewarded by these early and distinguishing proofs of their 
success ; and the public congratulates them upon the choice 
of a Preceptor, who affords good hopes that he will answer 
their most generous intentions." 

The national government havmg been firmly established, 
one of the most important measures claiming the attention 
of the administration was the appointment of federal offi- 

1 Salem Mercury, July 14, 1789. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 207 

cers tliroiigliout the country. For many years previous to 
the Revokition, Marblehead had been a port of entry, but 
the records were taken away by the Tory refugees during 
the war, and we are thereby deprived of much vahiable in- 
formation concerning the commercial and maritime history 
of the town. For several years after the close of the war, 
a naval officer was chosen by the State legislature, and in 
the summer of 1786 the appointment of Mr. Samuel R. 
Gerry, in the place of Mr. Stephen Sewall, whose term of 
office had expired, caused an earnest and somewhat personal 
controversy among the citizens. The friends of Mr. Sewall, 
among them many of the merchants and business men of 
the town, remonstrated against his removal, and the remon- 
strance was published in the '* Massachusetts Gazette." But 
a large majority of the citizens of Marblehead were on the 
side of Mr. Gerry, and the next issue of the " Gazette " con- 
tained an article several columns in length in reply to the 
remonstrance. Unfortunately for the remonstrants, they 
had st3ded themselves " sixty of the most respectable inhab- 
itants of Marblehead," which exposed them to the satire of 
their opponents, by whom they were mercilessly assailed. 
The controversy continued for several weeks, and finally the 
" Gazette " appeared with a supplement devoted entirely to 
" a reply to the most respectable inhabitants." 

The first collector appointed after the organization of the 
government was Richard Harris, who was evidently com- 
missioned in the autumn of 1789. The district comprised 
all the waters and shores in the towns of Marblehead and 
Lynn, though since that time the towns of Swampscott, 
Nahant, and Saugus have been set off from Lynn, and are 
still included in the district. The first entry made in the 
records is under date of October 2, 1789. The number of 
licenses granted during the year ensuing was one hundred 
and thirty-two, twenty-seven of which were sloops, schoon- 
ers, and brigantines registered in the foreign trade. 

The universal joy of the people over the inauguration of 



208 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

General Washington as the first President of the United 
States, was heightened by the announcement that he would 
soon make a tour of the New England States. This journey- 
was undertaken with a view to ascertain the disposition of 
the people towards the government and its measures, as 
well as to recruit his health, which was feeble. He com- 
menced his journey on the 15th of October, in company 
with INIajor Jackson and Mr. Lear, gentlemen of his family ; 
and after passing through Connecticut and Massachusetts, 
and as far north as Portsmouth, New Hampshire, he re- 
turned to New York by a different route. 

Though Marblehead, from its peculiar position, was some- 
what out of the route of his journey. President Washington 
had not forgotten the brave men who served under him at 
Trenton, Princeton, and Valley Forge, and the invitation of 
the selectmen to visit the town was promptly accepted. Ac- 
cordingly, on the 29th of October, he was received at the en- 
trance of the town by a procession comjDosed of the selectmen, 
the clergymen of the town, and a large body of citizens. The 
accounts of the celebration on this important occasion are 
very meagre ; but we are informed that the distinguished 
visitor " was conducted to the house of Mrs. Lee,^ where a 
collation was provided of which he very cheerfully partook, 
with the gentlemen of his suite, the selectmen, clergymen, 
and other gentlemen of the town." President Washington 
was welcomed by the selectmen, who presented the followmg 
address in the name and on behalf of the town. 

" To George Washington, President of the United States. 
" /SVr ; Your presence has inspired the inhabitants of 
Marblehead with the most unbounded joy ; but they cannot 
express as they would wish, their grateful sense of the honor 
done them on this occasion. The too visible decay and pov- 
erty of this Town, must be their excuse that they have not 
offered to the illustrious character who now visits them, a re- 
1 Now the Marblehead National Bank Buildiujr. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 209 

ception more answerable to his Dignity, and more expres 
sive of their own veneration. 

" The blessings of Independence and a Republican Govern- 
ment, must ever excite our gratitude and affection to so 
eminent a supporter of the Public Liberty, whose wisdom 
and valor have so successfully defended the riglits of his 
country. The establishment by the United States of a 
secure and efficient Government, gives us the pleasing ex- 
pectation of the gradual revival of our Fishery and Com- 
merce, objects of the industry, and the principal means 
of the subsistence of the Inhabitants of this place for above 
a century previous to the late Revolution. In the com- 
mencement of the contest with Great Britain, this Town 
was early in their exertions in the common cause, and were 
not discouraged when they foresaw that reverse of their 
situation which the war has necessarily produced. The re- 
turn of Peace did not restore to us the former advantages of 
the Fishery, which hath remained under peculiar discourage- 
ments ; and we have yet patiently to expect that attention 
of the General Government which may remedy these evils, 
and which the subject may deserve from its extensive im- 
portance to the commerce of the United States. 

" The present Government of the United States commands 
our ready submission and inviolable attachment, and we 
deem it as peculiar felicity, that the highest Dignity of that 
Government is so properly vested in you, in whom all 
America repose the most entire confidence, and in whose 
administration the world will admire the example of a 
Patriot Ruler. 

" Sir, our anxiety for your health and long life is propor- 
tionate to our most ardent wishes for the prosperity of our 
country ; and we are well assured that you will ever par- 
take in the happiness of that numerous people over whom 
you preside. May the Divine Providence continue to 
favor your care and guidance of their most important public 
u 



> Selectmen.''^ 



210 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

affairs, and reward your virtues, whicli Lave been so long 
employed in j)romoting the happiness of mankind. 

"In behalf of the Town of Marblehead, October 29, 1789. 
"Isaac Mansfield, ^ 
JoNA. Glover, 
John Glovee, 
Sa]m'l Sew all, 
Sam'l Hooper, 
Nathan'l Lindsey, 

BURRILL DeVEREUX, 

Rich'd Harris. 

Before leaving the town. President Washington visited 
one of the fish yards, and several other "places of interest, 
after which he proceeded on his journey. Two days later, 
having arrived at Portsmouth, N. H., he forwarded the fol- 
lowing letter in reply to the address : — 

"To THE Inhabitants of the Town of Marblehead. 

" Gentlemen: The reception with which you have been 
pleased to honor my arrival in Marblehead, and the senti- 
ments of approbation and attachment which you have ex- 
pressed of my conduct, and to my person, are too flattering 
and grateful not to be acknowledged with sincere thanks, 
and answered with unfeigned wishes for your prosperity. 

" Avoiding to dwell on the diminution of pleasure which 
the mention of your impaired circumstances occasions me, 
I desire to engage your thoughts on the pleasing prospect 
presented to all our interests, and particularly to our fishery, 
in the efficiency of our government, and the invigorated 
industry of our citizens. 

" Protected in the exercise of those means which the be- 
neficent Parent of INIankind has furnished for their suste- 
nance and comfort, the citizens of America, animated by 
virtuous enterprize, and actuated by due obedience to the 
laws and regulations of their government, may expect with 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 211 

confidence, to enjoy every blessing -whicli industry can 
promise, and national union may insure. Your attachment 
to the Constitution of tlie United States is worthy of men 
who fought and bled for freedom, and who know its value. 

" Your anxiety for my health, and your prayers for my 
happiness are replied to with solicitude for your welfare, and 
earnest entreaty to the Author of Good for your felicity. 

" G. Washington." 

The plea of poverty, offered in apology for not receiving 
the President of the United States in a manner more be- 
coming to his station, gives but a faint conception of the 
condition of the town at this time. For two years the fish- 
ing business had failed to be remunerative, and many of the 
inhabitants were reduced to a state of extreme wretchedness. 
There were four hundred and fifty-nine widows and eight 
hundred and sixty-five orphan children in the town, nearly 
all of whom were dependent in some degree upon the tax-pay- 
ing inhabitants for support. As the winter of 1790 advanced, 
their sufferings were greatly augmented, and several perished 
from hunger and exposure. 

Added to the general distress of the inhabitants from this 
cause, was the anxiety produced by the visible decay of prop- 
erty, both public and private. Houses, barns, and fences 
were falling to pieces, and, without the means to repair 
them, their owners were powerless to prevent it. The 
town house and work-house were in a ruinous condition, 
and " River Head Beach " had been so long out of repair 
that it was in great danger of being entirely washed away 
by the constant inroads of the sea. 

The citizens knew not where to seek relief, and various 
expedients were resorted to for the purpose of obtaining 
money for the assistance of those in distress. On the 19th 
of February, 1790, the scholars of the Academy gave an 
exhibition for the benefit of the poor, and under the direc- 
tion of their preceptor, acted the " tragedy of George Barn- 



212 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

well, and the comedies of the Recruiting Officer, and the 
Haunted House." Tlie price of admission was half a dollar, 
and though no report has come down to us of the result of 
this benevolent enterprise, there can be little doubt of its 
success. At length, driven to desperation by the misery 
about them, the citizens, in town meeting assembled, voted 
to petition the legislature for permission to hold a lot- 
tery for the relief of their necessities. The desired per- 
mission was readily granted, and William R. Lee, Sam- 
uel Sewall, Samuel Hooper, Marston Watson, and Joseph 
Sewall were appointed managers of the lottery, and gave 
bonds to the treasurer of the Commonwealth in the sum of 
one thousand pounds for the faithful execution of their trust. 
The lottery consisted of 8,000 tickets, divided into four 
classes ; 2,000 prizes being drawn in the first class, 1,000 
in the second, 1,000 in the third, and 1,420 in the fourth, 
the whole number of prizes, therefore, being 5,420, and 
the whole number of blanks 2,580. The price of tickets in 
the first class was -half a dollar, in the second class one 
dollar, in the third class two dollars, and in the fourth 
class four dollars. The managers in advertising their scheme 
to the public, after enumerating the possible advantages to 
be derived from the purchase of tickets, concluded as fol- 
lows : " The benevolent and public spirited may in this 
form, with a liope of immediate advantage to themselves, 
and a certainty of promoting the general welfare, contribute 
their aid for the preservation of the town of Marblehead, and 
provide for the employment and support of many helpless 
and distressed persons." 

The drawing of prizes in the first class was advertised to 
take place on or before the 22d day of April ; but owing to 
the rapid and unexpected sale of tickets the managers were 
enabled to draw them on the 26th of March. The tickets in 
every class were disposed of as readily, and the final draw- 
ing took place on the 3d of June. The prizes, all of which 
were of money, varied in amount from three thousand dol- 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 213 

lars to one dollar, and were subject to a deduction of 
twelve and one half per cent, for the use of the lottery. 

By means of this lottery, and two others subsequently 
held, the beach at the head of the harbor was repaired ; the 
distress of the inhabitants was alleviated ; and the general 
appearance of the town was greatly improved. 

During the year 1790, the Methodist Church was organ- 
ized in the house of Mr. Prentiss, on Mugford Street. The 
new society consisted of seven members only ; but so rapidly 
did it increase in numbers that in a few years a pastor was 
settled and religious services were regularly maintained. 

On the 11th of April, 1792, the town narrowly escaped a 
serious conflagration. A house belonging to a INIr. Bowler, 
and situated near one of the wharves, caught fire, and in a 
short time the flames were communicated to five other 
houses in the vicinity, including a brick warehouse upon the 
wharf. The three engines belonging to the town were soon 
found insufficient for the emergency, and but for the timely 
arrival of assistance from Salem, the town must have suf- 
fered from the ravages of fire in addition to its other mis- 
fortunes. Mr. Bowler lost his dwelling-house, which con- 
tained a bake-house under the same roof, and his loss was 
estimated at one thousand pounds. The most severe sufferer, 
however, was a poor widow who lost a comfortable dwelling- 
house and all her furniture. 

The Marblehead Academy had now become an estab- 
lished institution. Education was encouraged in Massachu- 
setts as in no other State in the Union, by wise laws and 
judicious appropriations, and when, in 1792, an act of in- 
corporation was applied for, it was readily obtained. The 
act became a law on the 17th of November of that year, 
and the corporation was established " by the name of The 
Trustees of the Marblehead Academy." Shortly after, the 
legislature granted a township of land six miles square, 
lying between the rivers Kennebeck and Penobscot, in the 
county of Hancock, for the purpose of supporting the acad- 



214 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

einy. This laud was subsequently sold to Samuel Sewall, 
Esq., for the sum of ^1,500. 

There were other schools in Marblehead where the com- 
mon branches of an English education were taught ; but it 
was at the acadeni}' alone that any knowledge of the Latin 
and Greek, or of the higher studies in literature, could be 
acquired. It was, too, the only school where girls were ad- 
mitted on the same footing as boys. Joseph Story, in after 
years Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United 
States, was one of the earliest scholars that belonged to it, 
and it was there that he fitted for college. In his autobiog- 
raphy, written in 1831, he pays the following tribute to his 
schoolmates of the gentler sex, and gives us a view of the 
customs in vogue at the academy which might otherwise 
have been lost. " Girls as well as boys went to the same 
school at the same hours, and were arranged on opposite 
sides of a large hall on their appropriate forms. In the 
simplicity of those days it was not thought necessary to 
separate the sexes in their studies. Generally w^e studied 
the same books, and as we recited our lessons in the pres- 
ence of each other, there was a mutual pride to do our best, 
and to gain an honest portion of flattery or of pi'aise. I was 
early struck with the flexibility, activity, and power of the 
female mind. Girls of the same age were on an average of 
numbers quite our equals in their studies and acquirements, 
and had much greater quickness of perception and delicacy 
of feeling than the boys. Remaining thus at school with 
them until I was about fifteen years old, I could not be mis- 
taken as to their powers ; and I then imbibed the opinion, 
which I have never since changed, that their talents are 
generally equal to those of men, though there are shades of 
difference in the character of their minds resulting from 
several causes." 

The progress made by the pupils of the academy in their 
studies, gave great satisfaction to their parents and guard- 
ians, and when, from time to time, the doors were opened 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 215 

and an exhibition was given, the hall was crowded with in- 
terested spectators. On one of these occasions the exercises 
began with an oration by Master Watson, on the subject of 
" heroism," in which a pleasing and useful contrast was 
drawn between the characters of Cassar and Washington. 
This was followed by a Latin oration in which jNIaster 
Story appeared to great advantage. The young ladies also 
came in for their due share of praise, in the newspaper re- 
ports of the affair, and were highly complimented for " the 
manner in which they acquitted themselves.". 

The mails had been carried to Marblehead from Salem, 
regularly twice a week, for many years, and on special oc- 
casions it had been customary to dispatch a messenger on 
horseback to carry important news or documents. On the 
20th of March, 1793, the first post office was established, 
and Thomas Lewis was appointed postmaster. 

The war between France and England, which began in 
1793, involved the United States in serious complications 
with both nations. The cruisers of these powers were con- 
stantly committing depredations on American commerce, 
and it was with great difficulty that a strict neutrality was 
preserved. During the month of September, the schooner 
Peacock, Captain Blaney, sailed from Marblehead with a 
cargo of fish for the West Indies. The cargo was sold at 
Martinique, and having taken on board a cargo of rum, 
sugar, and cotton, the captain sailed for home by way of St. 
Eustatia, when his vessel was captured by the English 
brigantine Argus, Capt. Charles Parker. Though the out- 
rage was committed in utter disregard of the neutrality 
laws of all nations, the English captain took his prize into 
the nearest British port where she was condemned. The 
court decided, that though a neutral vessel, she had sailed 
from a French colony, with French produce, and was there- 
fore the lawful prize of her captors. Though manifestly 
unjust, and in violation of the treaty of 1783, the decision 
was in accordance with an order of council which authorized 



2l6 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

British cruisers to stop all vessels loaded wholly or in part 
with provisions bound to any port in France or occupied by 
the armies of France. A similar order from the French 
government had the effect " to sweep the sea of all neutral 
commerce." 

By means of a treaty negotiated by a special embassy to 
the court of St. James, war with England was happily 
averted. The difficulties with France, however, were not 
so easily adjusted. C. C. Pinckney, Elbridge Gerry, and 
John Marshall, were sent by the administration to negotiate 
a settlement ; but instead of courteous treatment they re- 
ceived an intimation that unless a loan of money were forth- 
coming, war might be the result. Messrs. Pinckney and 
Marshall at once returned to America, but Mr. Gerry, with 
the hope of preserving friendly relations between the two 
countries, remained in France some months longer. He was 
recalled by the administration and his course was severely 
criticised by his political opponents, but there can be no 
doubt that he was actuated by the most patriotic mbtives. 

Active preparations were now made throughout the coun- 
try for a war with France, and the fortifications along the 
coast were put in a state of defense; The old fort in Mar- 
blehead became a rendezvous for the enlistment of volun- 
teers, and a company was stationed there during the sum- 
mer of 1798, under the command of George W. Duncan, a 
lieutenant of engineers. With the same patriotic spirit by 
which they had been actuated during the great struggle for 
independence, the citizens of Marblehead sprang to arms for 
the defense of their country. The veterans of the Revolu- 
tion, though exempt from military duty, formed themselves 
into a company, and were armed and equipped at their own 
expense. Their commander was the intrepid Col. William 
R. Lee, under whose direction they were disciplined once a 
fortnight, in order to be in readiness to act at a moment's 
notice. Encouraged by the example of their elders, the 
young men of the town organized a company of light in- 



OF MARBLEHE^D. 217 

fantry, and early in the month of September made their 
first public appearance, clad in bright new uniforms and 
properly armed. Another company was organized, consist- 
ing of the firemen and other exempts, and in a short time a 
large proportion of the able-bodied men of the town had 
enrolled themselves as volunteers. Fortunately, their coun- 
try did not find it necessary to call its ever-ready defenders 
into active service; for two years later, with the accession 
of Napoleon Bonaparte to power in France, peace was re- 
stored. 

During the year 1799, little of especial local interest to 
the people of Marblehead appears to have occurred. On the 
6th of June, Col. Azor Orne,i who had been one of the most 
prominent citizens of the town, died in Boston, and his re- 
mains were broue-ht to Marblehead for interment. On the 
Sunday following his death, the Rev. Ebenezer Hubbard, 
pastor of the First Congregational Society, preached an ap- 
propriate sermon, taking for his text the words found in 
chapter eleven of the gospel according to St. John, thirty- 
fifth verse : " Jesus wept." 

Another event to which considerable local importance at- 
tached, was the election of the Hon. Samuel Sewall,^ as a 

1 Col. Azor Orne was born in Marblehead on the 22cl of July, 1731, and 
was the son of Joshua Orne, an eminent merchant, who had served the town 
in various capacities. He began his public career in 1773 as a represeutative 
in the General Court; but his most active services commenced in 1775, at the 
breaking out of the Eevolutionary War. He was an active member of the 
Committee of Safety during the exciting years previous to the breaking out 
of the war i a delegate to the Provincial Congress, and a member of both 
branches' of the General Court. He shared with Elbridgc Gerry and Jeremiah 
Lee the honor of being elected a member of the first Continental Congress. 
During the war for Independence he was an eminent patriot, freely giving his 
time, and loaning his money for the cause in which he was engaged. He was 
a member of the State Convention which framed the new Constitution after 
the war, and also of the convention called for the adoption of the Federal 
Constitution in 1788. He was chosen a member of the council in 1780, and 
again in 1788, holding the office at the time of his death. In 1792 he was 

■chosen an elector of President and Vice-president of the United States. 

2 Samuel Sewall, LL. D., A. A. S., was a graduate of Harvard College, 



218 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

member of Congress. Mr. Sewall was an eminent member 
of the Essex bar, and had for several years represented Mar- 
blehead in the General Court. Having been prominent in 
all local matters, and deeply interested in the welfare of his 
fellow-citizens, his election gave the most sincere pleasure 
to the people of Marblehead, who felt that in him they had 
an able advocate of their interests at the national Capitol. 
Nor was their confidence misplaced. " No man " — said 
Hon. Isaac Parker, in a tribute to his memory — " ever 
understood better the general interests of his country and 
the particular interests of his constituents. The citizens of 
Marblehead used to acknowledge the great benefits derived 
from his attention to their peculiar business and the im- 
provements introduced into it 'by his exertions. His com- 
mercial information was much valued and much used in 

Congress No man in the House of Representatives 

was more relied upon for useful knowledge, nor more es- 
teemed for power in debate than he was Whenever 

he addressed the chair, members of all descriptions listened 
with an expectation of being informed and an assurance that 
they should not be deceived." 

The first bequest made to the town was the sum of nine 
hundred and thirty-seven dollars which was given by Capt. 
John INIarchant for the benefit of the poor. During the 
month of June, 1797, Captain Miirchant, who was about to 
sail on a foreign voyage from Philadelphia, placed a promis- 
sory note for that amount, which he held against a citizen 

and studied law under the direction of Chief Justice Dana, a lawyer of great 
eminence. He began his professional labors in Miirbleliead, and continued 
his practice in the county of Essex until his election to Congress. He owned 
considerable property in the town, tlie " Lee Mansion " being at one time a 
part of liis estate. In the year 1800 he was appointed to a seat on the bench 
of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts, and subsequently became Chief Jus- 
tice, which ])osition he held at the time of hi= death. He was a prominent and 
exemplary communicant of St. Michael's Episcopal Church, and was esteemed 
and beloved by all who knew him. He died in 1814, at the age of fifty-seven 
years. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 219 

of Dorchester, in the bands of Col. William R. Lee, with 
instructions to collect it, and in case he never returned, to 
donate the amount to the poor of the town. Captain Mar- 
chant died at Batavia during the following year, and the 
note was collected in accordance with his instructions. It is 
doubtful, however, whether the benevolent intentions of the 
donor have ever been carried into effect. After an unsuc- 
cessful attempt to invest the fund, the overseers of the poor 
turned it over to the town, and it was appropriated for the 
erection of two grammar school-houses. 

On the 14th of December, 1799, George Washington, re- 
vered and beloved as " the father of his country," died at 
Mount Vernon, in the sixty-seventh year of his age. In ac- 
cordance with a recommendation of the General Court, that 
eulogies be delivered in all the cities and towns of the Com- 
monwealth, Thursday, the 2d day of January, 1800, was 
observed in Marblehead with impressive ceremonies, in 
honor of the illustrious dead. Bells were tolled, flags were 
raised at half-mast, minute-guns were fired by artillery 
stationed on " Training-field Hill," and there was a general 
suspension of business in token of the grief of the people at 
the nation's loss. In the afteraoon, the Lodge of Masons, 
the Marine Society, and the scholars of the public schools, 
formed a procession, and after parading through the princi- 
pal streets marched to the new meeting-house, where, after 
other appropriate exercises, an oration was delivered by 
Joseph Story, then a student in the law office of Hon. 
Samuel Sewall, and afterwards Associate Justice of the Su- 
preme Court of the United States. The oration, which was 
listened to with rapt attention by a large and appreciative 
audience, was spoken of as "an elegant address," and was 
afterward published by vote of the town. 

In the autumn of 1800, the town was once more thrown 
into a state of the most intense excitement by the breaking 
out of the small-pox. Doctor Elisha Story, who had for 
many years been a popular and successful physician in the 



220 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

town, having learned of the important discovery by Dr. 
Jenner, that contagion from small-pox could be averted by 
inoculation with cow virus, sent to England and procured a 
quantity of virus, with which he inoculated several of his own 
children, and those of some of his friends. It was soon evi- 
dent, however, that a fatal mistake had been made. The 
virus proved to be that of the genuine small-pox, and as the 
disease spread from house to house, the people were panic- 
stricken with fear. Several town meetings were held to 
consider the matter, and the town house being too small 
to contain the crowd of excited citizens that assembled, 
the meetings were adjourned and again convened at the 
" New Meeting-house." All intercourse with other towns 
was prohibited, and a committee was chosen to adopt other 
necessary measures of precaution against the spread of the 
pestilence. The wrath of the unreflecting and ignorant por- 
tion of the community was directed with especial severity 
against Dr. Story, to whom they attributed the cause of 
the entire trouble. Threats of lynching him were publicly 
made, and fears were entertained by his friends that some 
serious injury would be done him, either in person or prop- 
erty. The counsels of the wise prevailed, however, and the 
good doctor, who suffered keenly in his mind on account 
of the distress which he had innocently caused, was unmo- 
lested. 

To add to the general distress, a large proportion of the 
community were suffering from the most extreme privations 
of poverty. " Melancholy indeed," wrote the town's com- 
mittee a few weeks later, " was the prospect of six hundred 
inhabitants (one twelfth of our population) who, independ- 
ent of disease, were destitute of the common comforts of 
life ; who had little else than hunger and cold in prospect, 
with the approaching inclement season." The town had 
voted to care for the poor and destitute, but it was found 
impossible to "furnish relief proportionate to such a de- 
maud." Succor was at hand, however, for upon their 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 221 

necessities being known, contributions ^ began to pour in 
from several of the neighboring towns, and in a short time 
the distress was alleviated. 

On the 13th of January, 1801, a little less than two 
months after the breaking out of the disease, the town was 
declared cleansed, and the inhabitants of other towns were 
invited to resume their usual intercourse. But before this 
could be done, the grave had received sixty-four victims of 
the pestilence, twenty of whom were adults. 

We have now reached a period in the history of our town, 
and of the nation, when, in order to obtain a proper under- 
standing of the events which follow, in the years interven- 
ing before the War of 1812, it becomes necessary to review 
briefly the origin and principles of the two great political 
parties into which the people were divided. Both parties 
had their beginning in the events incident to the adoption of 
the Constitution, and the organization of the national gov- 
ernment. The advocates of a consolidated and powerful 
government, led by John Adams, Alexander Hamilton, and 
John Jay, styled themselves Federalists, and were in favor 
of the subordination of the States to the nation. Opposed 
to them were Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Samuel 
Adams, and Elbridge Gerry, who viewed with a jealous 
eye the eucroaehments of the general government upon the 
rights reserved to the States, and who were the recognized 
leaders of a large minority styling themselves Republicans, 
or, as they were afterwards called. Democrats. 

1 According to a report made by Nathan Bowen, chairman of a committee 
appointed by the town, the contributions were as follows : — 
From Messrs. G. Crowuinshield & Sons, Salem . . . $200.00 

Marine Insurance Office, Salem 1,800.00 

Mr. King's Insurance Office 800.00 

Mr. Brooks' Insurance Office, Boston .... 600.00 
Messrs. Bradstreet & William Story .... 50.00 

Hon. Elbridge Gerry, Cambridge .... 100.00 

An unknown hand ■ • 20.00 

South Parish in Andover, in cash, meal, etc. . . . 200.00 
Mr. Makepeace of Lynn, a load of meal, and several loads of vegetables 
from different persons. 



222 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

The Federalists, being conservative in their ideas, found 
it difficult to relinquish the pomp and splendor to which 
they liad been accustomed when under the government of 
England, and were in favor of " high sounding titles," and 
of creating great distinctions between the officials and the 
people. The Democrats were radically . opposed to every 
measure of a monarchial or an aristocratic tendency, and 
were in favor of the utmost simplicity in the administra- 
tion of the government. Instead of creating distinctions, 
they regarded the officials as the servants of the people, 
and insisted upon holding them to a strict accountability for 
the proper discharge of their duties while in office. 

Party spirit ran high upon all the public questions of 
the day, and especially at the time of an election, and the 
adherents of both parties were often guilty of indulging in 
the most excessive and bitter vituperation against their 
oj^ponents. This was especially true of the campaign pre- 
ceding the presidential election of 1800, which resulted in 
the triumph of the Republican-Democrats, and the election 
of Thomas Jefferson. The citizens of Marblehead were 
Democi-ats by a large majority, and when, in the spring of 
the following year, Elbridge Gerry was the candidate of 
their party for the office of the Governor of Massachusetts, 
the vote of the town was three hundred and fourteen in his 
favor, against twenty-seven votes cast for his opponent, 
Governor Strong. The Federalists were in the majority in 
the State, and Governor Strong was elected ; but " it is a 
proof of the confidence of the people in the integrity of Mr. 
Gerrj' , that the vote for him was large though insufficient 
to insure his election." 

During the years intervening, until 1804, there appears to 
be nothing of importance to record. Early in the month of 
January of that year, the principal business men and capi- 
talists of the town subscribed $100,000 as the capital stock 
of a bank, and applied to the legislature for an act of incor- 
poration. " We feel confident," they declared in their me- 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 223 

morial, " that the trade and mercantile capital of the place, 
though slowly reviving from the depression they suffered 
in the American war, are now adequate to the support of 
the institution, and will receive from it an increasino; vio-or. 
The means of a frequent credit at a common rate of inter- 
est, and obtained in money, must be an important aid to 
their fishery, which now employs a thousand seamen and a 
large capital. Though not restored to its former extent 
and prosperity, the foreign commerce of the place is mate- 
rially connected with the fishery, and principally engaged in 
exporting its produce, and the returns in gold and silver re- 
ceived for this valuable export will continually supply thei' 
bank and maintain its credit." The act of incorporation 
received the signature of the governor on the 7th of March, 
1804, and the institution was established as the Marble- 
head Bank. The first meeting of the company for the elec- 
tion of officers was held at Putnam's Tavern, on the 10th of 
April, when Capt. Joseph Barker, Mr. Henry Gallison, 
Capt. John Selman, Mr. John Hooper, 4th, Capt. William 
Hooper, Mr. Nathaniel Hooper, and Capt. Thomas Meek, 
were chosen directors. At a meeting of the directors held 
subsequently at the store of John Williams & Co., Capt. 
Joseph Barker was elected president, and Mr. John Pedrick, 
3d, cashier. A few days later, the " Lee Mansion House " 
was purchased of Hon. Samuel Sewall, for five thousand 
dollars, and has ever since been owned and occupied by the 
bank. 

Instances of great bravery are not uncommon when men 
are fighting for the honor of their country or in defense of 
their homes. The deeds of the soldier who bravely faces 
death upon the battle-field are recorded on enduring monu- 
ments, and all men unite in doing honor to the hero. But 
there are deeds of heroism performed when the country is 
at peace, and the home is free from danger, when the ocean 
is the battle-field, and the mighty wind the foe. These, too 
often, are allowed to fade from the memory, and to perish 



224 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

in oblivion. Thus, there are few persons living to-day who 
have ever heard of the many acts of heroism performed by 
Marblehead fishermen while at sea. IMuch has been done 
to perpetuate the memory of an act of injustice to an inno- 
cent man, who had been accused by a cowardly crew of will- 
fully refusing to assist a vessel in distress ; but the following 
incident, so worthy to be had in remembrance, has been 
almost forgotten. 

In the spring of 1805, the English ship Jupiter foundered 
at sea, and three days after the sad event, skipper William 
Powers fell in with her long-boat, having on board thirty- 
nine of the passengers and crew. The fresh wind and 
heavy sea rendered it impossible for the boat to board the 
schooner, and for a time it was feared that all attempts to 
rescue the unfortunate occupants must be abandoned. Fi- 
nally, as a last resort, the heroic " skipper " placed a rope 
about his waist, and by flinging himself over the " lee quar- 
ter," succeeded in lifting each person separately on board 
the vessel. It was nobly done ; but the disinterested skip- 
per performed the act of mercy at the risk of his own life, 
and, though a strong and powerful man, was completely ex- 
hausted and severely bruised. The rescued passengers were 
shortly after distributed among three other vessels, com- 
manded by skippers John Powers, Green, and Dennis, by 
whom they were brought in safety to Marblehead. Their 
arrival was the signal for similar acts of generosity on the 
part of the inhabitants, who vied with each other in supply- 
ing their necessities, and making them as comfortable as 
their friendless situation would permit. 

Shortly after this event the town was again thrown into a 
state of excitement by the news of an outrage committed by 
the British frigate Ville de Milan upon several fishing ves- 
sels from ISIarblehead, Salem, and Beverly. The frigate 
was cruising on the Banks, and her commander, Captain 
Lowrie, boarded the vessels and impressed twelve or fourteen 
of their best men into the British naval service. Though 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 225 

only one of many similar outrages, this incident is important 
as an illustration of the depredations committed by British 
cruisers upon American seamen, which resulted in the pas- 
sage of the Embargo Act, and the subsequent war between 
the United States and Great Britain. 

The political campaign preceding the election of 1805 was 
chiefly remarkable for the party spirit and bitter intolerance 
manifested by both Federalists and Democrats. For several 
years, Marblehead had been represented in the General 
Court by five Democrats, all of whom were nominated for 
reelection. As the day of election approached, the "Ga- 
zette," a Federalist organ published in Salem, contained ar- 
ticles from time to time, addressed to the citizens of Marble- 
head, strongly urging the claims of the Federalist candidates, 
and severely reflecting upon the course adopted by their op- 
ponents. Articles in reply were published in the " Regis- 
ter," the organ of the Democrats, and the result was a news- 
paper controversy which continued long after the election 
was over. The Democratic candidates were reelected ; but 
the ill-feeling engendered during the campaign took the 
form of triumphant exultation on the part of their support- 
ers, which increased the virulence of the defeated and dis- 
comfited Federalists. PoHtical argument soon developed 
into personal abuse ; crimination and recrimination followed, 
and in a short time the opposing parties were engaged in a 
warfare of words, which, with its attendant excitement, 
threatened the peace of the community. 

This state of affairs continued until the spring of 1806, 
when the time for holding the annual town meeting was ap- 
proaching. A short time before the day on which the meet- 
ing was to be held, several hundred copies of a pamphlet^ 
entitled, "An Address to the Inhabitants of Marblehead, 
Relative to the Very Bad Policy of the Town," were inys- 
teriously distributed from house to house. The address con- 
sisted of a review of the expenditures by the various boards 
of town officers, and a severe criticism upon the manner in 

15 



226 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

which the business of the town had been conducted. After 
the most covert insinuations concerning the overseers, col- 
lectors, and assessors, the remainder of the address was 
largely devoted to abuse of the selectmen. They were char- 
acterized as " men without talents, information, or integi-ity ; 
wholly wrapped up in their own importance, and passionate 
without restraint." They were also charged with extreme 
partisanship, and with delaying " honest -applicants merely 
to annoy a political opponent." " What have politics," con- 
cludes this portion of the address, "to do with surveying 
our highways, or passing upon a town ordei- ? Such, how- 
ever, is the disposition of some men, who are continually 
prating on the corners of the streets, and extolling nobody's 
goodness and philanthropy but their own ; and such is their 
baseness, that they would fain make you believe that be- 
cause this or that man does not agree with you in politics, 
therefore he cannot be an honest man." 

These, and similar sentences, caused the indignant citi- 
zens to believe that the address was the work of their Fed- 
eralist opponents, who had adopted this method of destroy- 
ing the confidence of the people in the honor and integrity 
of their officials. If such was its mission tlie address was a 
failure. Instead of having the desired effect, it created a 
storm of indignation and excitement. Men congregated in 
groups upon the wharves and in the various places of public 
resort, angrily discussed the more objectionable portions of 
the address, and threatened vengeance upon the author. 
But their threats were not easily executed. The pamphlet 
had been circulated at night, and as it contained neither the 
name of the author nor the imprint of the printer, no one 
knew whence it came, or by whom it was written. 

Though unable to ascertain the name of the author, the 
. citizens wei-e determined to show their disapprobation of the 
sentiments contained in the address. They resolved, how- 
ever, to wait until " town meeting day," and then in their 
corporate capacity take such action as should be deemed 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 227 

appropriate and expedient. The seventeenth of March, 
1806, will be forever memorable in the annals of Marble- 
head. It was the day of the annual town meeting, and 
from every quarter of the town the sturdy fishermen con- 
gregated, until the old town house was crowded to reple- 
tion, and the entire square in the vicinity was thronged 
with an earnest and excited multitude. 

Who can describe the scenes incident to a Marblehead- 
town meeting three quarters of a century ago ? The strong 
traits of character which marked the men of those days can 
never be properly delineated, save by one with the genius 
and keen perception of a Dickens, Democratic at all times, 
and under all circumstances, they were especially so when 
in town meeting assembled. The wealthy merchant, proud 
of his aristocratic ancestry ; the imperious captain, accus- , 
tomed to the strict discipline of a ship, where he had but to 
command, to be obeyed ; and the poor fisherman whose life 
from youth to old age had been one incessant round of toil 
and privation, met on an equality, which in any other town 
would have been impossible. If their ideas were peculiar 
not less so were their customs. They were a law unto 
themselves, and they passed their vote? in utter defiance of 
warrants and of rulings. Though no one ever removed his 
hat except to address the meeting, every fisherman took off 
his jacket upon entering the hall. And they were nearly 
all debaters. Woe betide the luckless individual who, in 
an unguarded moment, indulged in personalities, or advo- 
cated unpopular sentiments ; " it were better for him that 
he had never been born," than to draw upon himself the 
contemptuous sarcasm and fierce denunciation of his fellow- 
citizens. 

The town meeting of which we write was no exception to 
the general rule. As soon as the meeting had been organ- 
ized by the choice of a moderator, a prominent citizen pro- 
duced a copy of the obnoxious pamphlet, from which he 
read some of the m.ost objectionable sentences, and then, in 



228 THE mSTORY AND TRADITIONS 

a speech of several minutes' duration, proceeded to denounce 
the author, the printer and the entire Federal party. Other 
speakers followed, and at the conclusion of their remarks, it 
was voted : " That the Lying Pamphlet^ introduced into 
this meeting, lately addressed to the inhabitants of this 
town, be burned by the chimney-sweeper, and that Thomas 
Nicholson be directed to see it put in execution." But 
there was no necessity of choosing a master of ceremonies. 
The citizens took the matter into their own hands, and after 
collecting as many copies of the pamphlet as possible, pro- 
ceeded at once to the entrance of the town, where a fire was 
kindled, and the "Address to the Inhabitants," was com- 
mitted to the flames. The proceedings were probably of 
the most boisterous nature, for men in a state of excitement 
are not likely to judge of the propriety of their actions. 
No authentic report of the affair has come down to us, but 
there is a tradition that a poor negro, rejoicing in the cog- 
nomen of " Black Charley," was violently pushed into the 
fire, and though no bodily harm befell him, his hat, which 
fell off, was entirely consumed. 

The Salem " Gazette," in its next issue, characterized the 
affair as a riot, and a few days later several of the principal 
participants were summoned before the grand jur}^, then 
sitting at Ipswich, and subjected to a rigid examination con- 
cerning the proceedings. The blame for this indignity was 
also charged to the Federalists, and on the Ttli of April 
another meeting was held to consider the matter. The 
citizens had, in the mean time, demonstrated their confidence 
in the town officers by reelecting them, and on this occa- 
sion ]\Ir. Ebenezer Graves, one of the selectmen, was chosen 
moderator of the meeting. After remarks by several promi- 
nent citizens, the following votes, expressive of the senti- 
ments of the people, were unanimously adopted : — 

" Voted : That this town views with just resentment 
certain measures taken by restless persons to destroy the 
peace and harmony of the same ; and it now appearing that 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 229 

several of the good citizens have lately been summoned and 
did appear before the grand jury at a court sitting at Ips- 
wich for the county of Essex, and were examined respect- 
ing certain proceedings in this town on or about the 17th of 
March last, therefore, — 

" Voted : That this town has a fellow-feeling of sympathy 
for the good citizens thereof, and that should any of them 
be indicted, or process of law be commenced against any of 
them for the doings of that day (March 17th), for burning 
what was then termed the Lying Pamphlet, this town will 
in its corporate capacity (agreeable to the laws and Consti- 
tution of this Commonwealth) defend and support them in 
and against any lawsuit that has been or may be commenced 
in consequence of the proceedings of the 17th of March 
aforesaid. 

" Voted : That this town consider the aforesaid pamphlet 
entitled ' An Address to the Inhabitants of Marblehead,' as 
an insult offered to the inhabitants thereof, both in their 
individual and incorporate capacity, and that a committee 
be appointed ' to search and inquire for the author of the 
pamphlet aforesaid, or any accessory thereto, and him or 
them to prosecute according to law at the expense of the 
town.' " 

Nine persons were elected as members of this important 
committee, who were also authorized to act as the agents 
of the town in employing attorneys. But there was no 
necessity for this action. No one was indicted by the grand 
jury, and in a short time the excitement subsided. 



230 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 



CHAPTER XI. 

Foe, several years tlie attention of the country had been 
attracted to the depredations committed by British cruisers 
upon American commerce; but it was not until the summer 
of 1807, when the United States frigate Chesapeake was 
attacked by the EngKsh ship Leopard, that the people were 
fully aware of the danger which threatened them. The 
outrage was committed near the capes of Virginia, and the 
insult was the more aggravated because perpetrated in 
American waters. An indignation meeting was held at 
Norfolk, Virginia, on hearing of the affair ; and President 
Jefferson at once issued a proclamation, complaining of the 
insolence of British cruisers, and ordering all ships of war 
belonging to that nation to quit immediately the waters of 
the United States. Meetings were held in all the principal 
towns in the country to indorse the action of the President, 
and on the 11th of July the citizens of Marblehead assem- 
bled in town meeting and adopted a series of j^atriotic reso- 
lutions, which- concluded with the declaration, " That we 
will support the government of the United States, and with 
alacrity obey its dictates ; and we do hereby tender our all 
whenever our country calls for the same." 

The repeated indignities to which American seamen were 
subjected, had the effect to impress upon Congress the neces- 
sity of legislation for the protection of the commerce of the 
country, and on the 8th of January, 1808, the famous em- 
bargo law was passed. This act, which was adopted at the 
instance of the president, detained all vessels in American 
ports, and required all American vessels then away, to re- 
turn home. But the depredations of the British continued, 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 231 

in spite of the embargo. Vessel after vessel was captured 
and confiscated, and many were overhauled while returning 
from foreign ports in compliance with the law. Among 
these were the schooners Minerva and Perseverance, of Mar- 
blehead, commanded by Captains Poor and Messervey. 

The Minerva was intercej)ted by a British frigate, and 
ordered to England under the command of a prize master. 
Fortunately she fell in with the flag ship of a British ad- 
miral, and after her papers had been indorsed by that 
officer, she was allowed to proceed on her passage home. 
The Perseverance was captured near Nantes by a British 
man-of-war, and taken into Plymouth, England. She was 
subsequently released, and on her arrival home, the captain 
reported that he had left sixty American vessels at Plym- 
outh, among which was the schooner Betsy Hooper, of 
Marblehead, which had been confiscated. 

Though firmly in favor of the embargo, and sincerely be- 
lieving in its necessity as a measure of precaution, the in- 
habitants of Marblehead were among the greatest sufferers 
from its effects. With a population of six or seven thou- 
sand, nearly all of whom were entirely dependent upon the 
fishing business for subsistence, the condition of the town 
was deplorable. Eighty-seven vessels, averaging eighty tons 
each, were necessarily idle ; and the warehouses were stored 
with the fish caught during that and the previous year. 
The law prohibited their exportation, and there was no 
market for them at home ; consequently they could not be 
sold, and there was great distress among the people. 

As the summer advanced, the suffering among the families 
of fishermen increased ; and on the 15th of August, the 
town appropriated the sum of two thousand dollars for their 
relief. On the 26th of September, the town ceded to the 
United States " so much of the land on the southerly side 
of the Work house lot (now Back St.) as may be necessary 
for the erectfon of a brick gun house thereon." In the 
course of time the gun-house was erected, and though many 



232 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

years have passed since it ceased to be used for the purpose 
for which it was originally intended, it is still standing. 

Earl}^ in the month of November the people of ^Nlarble- 
head were greatly excited by an event, the narration of 
which the writer would gladly omit. But a proper regard 
for the completeness of this work, and the unenviable noto- 
riety given to the town by the various vei'sions of the affair 
which have already been published, renders it necessary 
that it shall receive some recognition in these pages. 

On Sunda}', the 30th of October, the schooner Betty, 
commanded by Skipper Benjamin Ireson, arrived from the 
Grand Banks. Shortly after their arrival, the crew reported 
that at midnight on the previous Friday, when off Cape 
Cod light-house, they passed the schooner Active, of Port- 
land, which was in a sinking condition ; and that the skip- 
per had refused to render any assistance to the unfortunate 
men on board the wreck. The excitement and indignation 
of the people upon the reception of this news can be better 
imagined than described. Two vessels, manned by willing 
volunteers, were immediately dispatched to the scene of dis- 
aster, with the hope of their arrival in time to save the ship- 
wrecked sailoi's. But their mission was a failure, and they 
returned with no tidings of the wreck. The resentment of 
the people was still further provoked when, on the following 
day, the sloop Swallow arrived, having on board Captain 
Gibbons, the master of the ill-fated schooner. He corrobo- 
rated the story told by the crew of the B"etty, and stated that 
the Active sprung a leak at about eleven o'clock on Friday 
night. An hour later the Betty was spoken, "• but, contrary 
to the principles of humanity," she sailed away without giv- 
ing any assistance. On Saturday, Captain Gibbons and three 
of the passengers were taken off the wreck by j\Ir. Hardy, of 
Truro, in a whale boat. Four other persons were left on the 
wreck, but the storm increased so rapidly that it was found 
impossible to return to their rescue. Captain Gibbons was 
placed on board the revenue cutter Good Intent, and after- 



OF MAKBLEHEAD. 233 

ward went on board the sloop Swallow, in which he came to 
Marblehead.^ 

This statement by one who had so narrowly escaped a 
watery grave made a deep impression upon the fishermen, 
and they determined to demonstrate their disapproval of 
Skipper Ireson's conduct by a signal act of vengeance. 
Accordingly, on a bright moonlight night, the unfortunate 
skipper was suddenly seized by several powerful men and 
securely bound. He was then placed in a dory, and, be- 
smeared from head to feet with tar and feathers, was 
dragged through the town, escorted by a multitude of men 
and boys. When opposite the locality now known as Work- 
bouse Rocks, the bottom of the dory came out, and the pris- 
oner finished the remainder of his ride to Salem in a cart. 
The authorities of that city forbade the entrance of the 
strange procession, and the crowd returned to Marblehead. 

Throughout the entire proceeding, Mr. Ireson maintained 
a dignified silence, and when, on arriving at his own home, 
he was released from custody, his only remark was; "I 
thank you for my ride, gentlemen, but you will live to re- 
gret it." 

His words were prophetic. When too late to make rep- 
aration for the wrong they had committed, the impulsive 
fishermen realized that they had perpetrated an act of the 
greatest injustice upon an innocent man. 

At this late day, when for years his memory has been de- 
famed throughout the land, and the fair name of the women 
of Marblehead has been sullied by the fictitious story of one 
of our best New England poets, it is but just that the true 
history of the affair should be written. Skipper Ireson was 
not more to blame than his crew, and, it is believed, not at 
all. When the wreck was spoken and the cry of distress 
was heard, a terrific gale was blowing. There was a consul- 
tation on board the Betty as to the course to be pursued, 
and the crew decided not to endanger their own lives for 

1 See Boston Centinel, Essex Register, and Salem Gazette, November, 1808. 



234 THE HISTORY AXD TRADITIONS 

the sake of saving others. Finding that they were resokite 
in their determination, Skipper Ireson proposed to lay by 
the wreck all night, or until the storm should abate, and 
then go to the rescue of the unfortunate men. To this they 
also demurred, and insisted upon proceeding on their home- 
ward voyage without delay. On their arrival in Marble- 
head, fearing the just indignation of the people, they laid 
the entire blame upon the skipper. This version of the af- 
fair is generally accepted as true ; and for the credit of the 
town, be it said,- that it is one of the few incidents in its en- 
tire history that its citizens have any reason to regret. 

The embargo, which had now been in operation nearly 
a year, had been strongly opposed by the Federalists from 
the beginning, and as the ill effects of the measure began to 
be felt their hostility increased. They had succeeded in 
obtaining control of both branches of the legislature of ]Mas- 
sachusetts, and a series of resolutions had been adopted by 
that body, "questioning the constitutionality of the em- 
bargo, and condemning it as an experiment both novel and 
dangerous." Town meetings had been held in nearly all 
the principal seaports to remonstrate against the law, and 
many of the speeches at these meetings were seditious and 
inflammatory in the extreme. But not so in Marblehead. 
Though starvation stared them in the face, the citizens were 
loyal to the government, and at a town meeting held on the 
7th of December, the following resolutions were unanimously 
adopted : — 

'•'■ Resolved : That this town continues steadfast in the 
faith that the Embargo law was a law of wisdom, and that 
the President and Congress of the United States are en- 
titled to, and shall receive our warmest thanks for their 
early attention to the Indej^endence, Liberty, and just 
rights of the Union and particularly of the commercial part 
thereof. 

" Resolved : That this town will use all the energy they 
possess to carry into full effect all the laws the present Con- 



^ r-^?^' 



J' vv 




^^^^^LoA^'^Z^^nly 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 235 

gress have enacted or may enact for the support of our just 
and equal rights, against the unjustifiable and imperial de- 
crees of the belligerent powers of Europe, by proffering to 
our country our property and services." 

Captains William Story, Nathan B. Martin, and Joseph 
Pedi-ick "were elected a committee to forward the resolu- 
tions to the Hon. Joseph Story,^ member of Congress from 
this district. The resolutions were forwarded according to 
the instructions of the town, accompanied by a letter signed 
by every member of the committee. 

" Having learned that the government intends employing 
some cutters as gun-boats, to prevent the evasions of the 
laws of the country," they wrote, " we with humility beg 
leave to suggest to you our opinion, that on this coast, 
(that is to say) from Cape Cod to Cape Sable, any cutters 
which the government may send will not so well answer 
the purpose ; the gun-boats will be useless, for they would 
not, in this inclement season of the year, be able to keep at 
sea without great risk. From the knowledge we have of 
our fishing vessels, we think they will answer every purpose 
and be a saving to the government to employ them in de- 
fense of their laws. We also beg leave to offer the gov- 

1 Joseph Story was born in Marblehead, September 18, 1779. His father 
was Dr. Elisha Story, an eminent physician and surgeon. He was fitted for 
college at the Marblehead Academy, but studied the languages for a time with 
the town schoolmaster. He graduated at Harvard University in 1798. On 
his return to Marblehead he began the study of law in the office of the Hon. 
Samuel Sewall. In January, 1801, he entered the office of Mr. Samuel Put- 
nam, of Salem, and in July of that year he was admitted to the Essex bar. 
In 1805 he was elected a representative to the General Court from Salem. In 
1808, after having served three sessions in the legislature, he was elected a 
member of Congress.' He remained in Congress but one session, declining to 
be a candidate for reelection. In 1810, he was again-elected a member of the 
Massachusetts Legislature, and became Speaker of the House of Representa- 
tive. In 1811, he was appointed by President Madison, Associate Justice of 
the Supreme Court of the United States. In 1829, he was appointed Dane 
Professor of Law in Harvard University. He was eminent as a judge, as a 
judicial writer, and as a teacher of law. He died in Cambridge, September 
10, 1845. 



236 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

eminent as many vessels of this description as will fully 
prevent any evasions whatever from any ports or places 
between tlie above mentioned capes, or wherever otherwise 
wanted. 

" Knowing, as you do, the peculiar situation of the people 
of this place, that they have now on hand two years' catch- 
ing of fish, and no vent for the same. Notwithstanding this, 
they look upon the measures of the government as the onl}^ 
means of retaining our future commerce. They therefore 
feel disposed to the utmost of their abilities, to support the 
general government with the risk of their lives and prop- 
erty, and beg leave through you to tender their services to 
man out, and have manned, any vessels which it may please 
for the service of the United States." 

This action of the town gave great satisfaction to the 
friends of the administration throughout the country. The 
resolutions were published by Republican newspapers every- 
where, and from one and all the town received words of 
praise and encouragement. Of the manner of their recep- 
tion in Congress, Representative Story wrote to his brother 
under date of December 21, 1808: "This day I had the 
pleasure of presenting the Marblehead Petition, and as a 
part of my address on this occasion, which was short, I read 
in the hearing of the House the Resolves of Marblehead. 
The effect was electrical. It gave a degree of delight, it 
awakened a sensation of admiration, far beyond what I ever 
Jsnew in a public body. On every side the patriotism, the 
honorable, the tried and uniform patriotism of Marblehead, 
resounded. All the Republicans declare their determination 
to assist in some way to honor and relieve the citizens of 
the Town, and I feel an assurance that some of onr fislier- 
men will be employed as protectors of our coasts. One able 
Republican member from South Carolina (Mr. D. R. Wil- 
liams) declared that such was his sense of the virtue and 
character of the town, that he would willingly give them a 
thousand bushels of corn as a present from his plantation. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 237 

But all tlie friends of the Government rejoiced tliat in 
this day of disaffection in the Eastern States a people 
could be found who were true to the honor and rights of 
their country. 

" Mr. Giles of the Senate hearing of my having the Re- 
solves, sent for them, and in a speech which he made to-day 
in the Senate read them, and complimented you all. You 
may depend that a more reasonable and welcome resolution 
never came to Congress. It is an example worthy to be 
followed. When I named the facts to the President he 
appeared highly delighted. 

" If you in the Eastern States will resolutely support the 
government all will certainly go right. The Southern and 
Western States are firm and united. They cannot be 
moved from their determination to defend our rights." ^ 

The anxiety expressed by the Republicans concerning 
the effect of the opposition to the embargo, manifested by 
the people of the Eastern States, was not without reason. 
Senator Adams expressed his belief in a communication to 
to the President, that " from information received by him, 
and which might be relied upon, it was the determination 
of the ruling party in Massachusetts, and of the Federalists 
in New England generally, if the embargo was persisted in, 
no longer to submit to it, but to separate themselves from 
the Union, at least until the existing obstacles to foreign 
commerce were removed." This, it has been said, was a 
false alarm; but that such was the sincere belief of the 
citizens of Marblehead, is evident from the following reso- 
lutions, adopted at a town meeting held on the 9th of , Feb- 
ruary, 1809 : — 

" Resolved : That we view with the utmost abhorrence 
and indignation, the conduct of a party among us who are 
continually endeavoring to excite the good people of this 
Commonwealth to a disobedience of the laws of the Union, 

1 From the origiual letter written by Hon. Joseph Story to his brother, 
Capt. William Story. 



238 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

by false and libellous publications respecting the motives 
and measures of the general government, and gross mis- 
statements of the nature and sources of our present embar- 
rassments ; that the real object of this party is to separate 
the United States, and excite rebellion and civil war for the 
purpose of establishing a monarchy uuder the pretense of a 
northern confederacy, or force us into a destructive war 
with the continent of Europe, and consequently a fatal alli- 
ance with the corrupt monarchy of Britain, whose embrace 
is death. 

" Resolved : That the real causes of our present embar- 
rassments are not the embargo, nor any measure of our 
government, but are wholly owing to the unjust, oppressive, 
and tjn-annical conduct of Great Britain and France, and 
that orders of the former and decrees of the latter have 
destroj'ed all neutral trade and rendered it not worth pre- 
serving ; that these orders and decrees are destructive of 
all our commercial rights, and cannot be submitted to with- 
out national degradation and national ruin ; and therefore 
it is our opinion that the administration has acted a highly 
honorable part in vindicating our rights and opposing the 
outrageous aggressions of foreign nations ; and we are ready 
to meet all the consequences of a war if it be necessary to 
support them by the sword. 

" Resolved : That the conduct of Great Britain in the im- 
pressment of our seamen adds a deeper dye to the inju- 
ries inflicted upon us by her ; that her claims to force our 
innocent seamen into her service under the false pretext of 
their being her subjects, is an outrage upon our national 
sovereignty which ought to be resisted at all hazards ; and 
the men who publish to the world declarations that Great 
Britain has done us no injury, when thousands of our sea- 
men are confined on board her ships of war, are unworthy 
the name of Americans, and should receive the pointed dis- 
trust of all honest and honorable men 

" Resolved : That we are determined never to yield our 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 239 

Liberties and Rights, purchased by the best blood of our 
country, either to external foes or domestic traitors ; that 
"we are determined at all hazards to maintain the Constitu- 
tion of the United States and all the laws made in pursuance 
thereof ; and we do most religiously and solemnly pledge 
our lives, our property, and our sacred honor, for their sup- 
port, through every peril of insurrection, rebellion, or inva- 
sion. 

" Resolved : That we hold sacred those inestimable privi- 
leges resigned to our hands by a numerous class of brave 
and hardy townsmen, who sacrificed their lives for the 
achievement of our glorious independence ; that in order to 
protect and defend these privileges, ever to be held sacred 
by Americans, we will arm and equip ourselves in such a 
manner as our circumstances will admit, and do hereby 
publicly declare that we will die Freemen and never live 
Slaves.'' 

So great was the pressure brought to bear upon Congress 
from all parts of New England, demanding the repeal of 
the embargo law, that it was deemed the part of wisdom 
to pacify the people, and " to allay the tumult which threat- 
ened to become serious." Accordingly on the 27th of Feb- 
ruary, an act was passed effecting the repeal of the law 
after the 15th of March. An arrangement was also made 
with the British minister for an adjustment of the contro- 
versy between Great Britain and the United States. This 
arrangement, however, was disowned by the British govern- 
ment, and the excitement in America became more intense 
than ever. Party spirit increased in rancor ; the Democrats 
were determined to support the administration, while the 
Federalists were loud in their clamors against it. 

The people of Marblehead had not forgotten their resolu- 
tion to " arm and equip " themselves, and during the month 
of June the company known as the Marblehead Light In- 
fantry was organized. Joshua O. Bowden was the first 
commander, and the comj^any has maintained its organiza- 
tion ever since. 



240 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

The events of the year 1810 were of more than ordinary- 
interest to the people of Marblehead. Early in the month 
of January two schooners were captured by British cruisers 
and carried into St. Jean de Luce. This was considered an 
evidence that the British government intended to continue 
its policy of seizing American vessels and impressing Ameri- 
can seamen, and had the effect to increase the indignation al- 
ready felt by the people. " Free Trade and Sailors' Rights," 
was the cry everywhere, and when in the month of May, 
the annual State election took place, Elbridge Gerry, the 
Democratic candidate for governor, received 471 of the 524 
votes cast in Marblehead. Mr. Gerry was elected, and in 
both branches of the legislature the majorities were Demo- 
cratic. 

By the census of this year, it appeared that the number 
of inhabitants in the town was 5,842, of whom 63 were 
" people of color." ^ 

During the month of February the First Baptist Church 
was organized, twenty-one persons being regularly dismissed 
from the First Baptist Church of Salem, for this purpose. 

During the following year (1811) the town voted to 
" purchase the tract of land at the entrance to the town, 
owned by Mr. Aaron Waitt, at a price not exceeding three 
thousand and two hundred dollars ; and to erect a suitable 
building for the permanent and convenient occupation of 
the poor of the town." 

On the 18th of June, 1812, war was formally declared 
against Great Britain by the Congress of the United States. 
The reasons publicly given for this step were substantially 
as follows : " The impressment of American seamen by the 
commanders of British ships of war ; their doctrine and sys- 
tem of blockade ; and the adoption and continuance of the 
Orders in Council, which operated extensively to the inter- 
ruption and injury of American commerce." 

1 In 1765 the number of inhabitants was 4,594. 
In 1780 the number of inhabitants was 4,142. 
In 1790 the number of inhabitants was 5,661. 



OF MAEBLEHEAD. 241 

Intelligence of the declaration of war reached Boston on 
the 23d of June, and, as the General Court was then in ses- 
sion, the governor communicated it to the representatives of 
the people. In the preceding State election the Federalists 
had been partially successful, and had elected the governor 
and a majority of the House of Representatives. Accord- 
ingly, the House prepared an address regretting the event, 
and expressing their opinion of its impolicy and inexpedi- 
ency. The action of the Senate, which was Democratic, 
was exactly opposite, and that body adopted and published 
an address approving of the war, and declaring it in their 
opinion just and necessary. 

" From the moment when war was declared, the citizens 
of Boston, the metropolis of Massachusetts, clamored for 
peace, and reprobated the war as wicked, unjust, and unnec- 
essary." Many other towns in the State were only too 
ready to follow the example set by Boston, and on the 29th 
of June the citizens of Newbury declared : " We consider 
this war ruinous to the property as well as the happiness 
and morals of the nation. It is brought on the country by 
surprise ; it was conceived in darkness and secret conclave ; 
the People were kept in profound ignorance of their impend- 
ing destruction." 

Far different were the resolutions adopted by the citizens 
of Marblehead. On the very day that the meeting was held 
in Newbury a town meeting was held in Marblehead, and 
the following resolutions were unanimously adopted : — 

'•'• Resolved, That we view the late solemn act declaring 
war against Great Britain and her dependencies, as the last 
resort of a much injured people, fully persuaded that its 
justice and necessity will be acknowledged by all who can- 
didly pass in review the doctrines of our enemy ; and noth- 
ing short of a base submission would have prolonged peace. 

" Resolved, That whatever sacrifices may result, we pledge 
ourselves to support our government, our laws, and our Lib- 
erty, through the present arduous conflict. We also pledge 

16 



242 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

ourselves to support and protect tlie Union of the States as 
the ark of our political safety ; and that we view all those 
who dare intimate a wish for the separation of the Union as 
the worst enemies to our peace, prosperity, and happiness." 

As soon as the news of the declaration of war was re- 
ceived in Marblehead, the town was the scene of the utmost 
activity. Nowhere in the country did the citizens spring 
to arms with more alacrity. Four privateers, namely, the 
Lion, the Thorn, the Snowbird, and the Industry, Avere im- 
mediately fitted out, and began a series of remarkably suc- 
cessful cruises against the ships of the British nation. 

This was not all. Forty private armed schooners were 
soon fitted out in Salem, a large proportion of which were 
manned by Marblehead seamen. One schooner, the Growler, 
was commanded by Capt. Nathaniel Lindsey, of Marble- 
head, and had an entire crew of Marblehead men. Of the 
crew of the ship America, one of the most conspicuous and 
successful cruisers during the entire war, thirty were from 
Marblehead. 

The fishermen of Marblehead were also largely repre- 
sented on board the frigates of the United States navy. 
Eighty men of the crew of the Constitution were from Mar- 
blehead, and were on board her throughout the entire period 
of her brilliant career. 

Though the enthusiasm of the people was so great at the 
prospect of war, they were not unmindful of other patriotic 
duties ; and the Fourth of July, the thirty-sixth anniversary 
of American Independence, was appropriately celebrated. 
The church-bells were rung at sunrise, noon, and sunset, 
and the customary Federal salutes were fired. At eleven 
o'clock A. M., a procession was formed at the town house, 
which, after being escorted about town by the Marblehead 
Light Infantry Company, proceeded to the New Meeting- 
house, where an oration was delivered by Jacob Willard, 
Esq. The other exercises were participated in by the choii' 
of the church, and the Reverend Messrs. Bowers, Dana, and 
Ellis. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 243 

The war had now begun in earnest. On the 20th of July, 
the ship Orient, of Marblehead, Captain Andrews, com- 
mander, while on the passage home from a merchant voy- 
age to Gibraltar, was captured on the Banks of Newfound- 
land by the British sloop-of-war Hazard. The Orient, which 
had on board a rich cargo, and about thirteen thousand dol- 
lars in specie, was sent into St. John's, N. B. The crew, 
ten in number, were placed on board a prison ship, from 
which they were subsequently released by the United States 
frigate Essex, and sent to New York on board a cartel ship. 

During the month of July, three Nova Scotia shallops 
arrived in the harbor, having been sent in as prizes by the 
privateer Lion. They were laden with West India produce, 
and had on board several thousand dollars in specie. 

A fine English brig from Liverpool, bound to St. Johns, 
was also sent in as the joint prize of the Lion and Snow- 
bird. The brig had six guns, but made no resistance. 

Early in the month of August, the schooner Dolphin, 
of Salem, was captured by the British cruiser Belvidera. 
Among the unfortunate crew of the Dolphin, who became 
prisoners of war, was Joseph Furness, of Marblehead. 
Shortly after his confinement on board the Belvidera, he 
was carried on board the ship San Domingo, where an at- 
temj)t was made to impress him into the British naval ser- 
vice.^ With manly heroism, Furness declared that he would 
not fight against his country, and told his captors to shoot 
him as he stood, if they chose to do so. They then placed 
him on board the gaard ship, where his steady resolution 
and undaunted courage inspired the admiration of the Brit- 
ish officers. Soon after, documents were sent down for his 
release, and he returned home. 

1 Twenty-one citizens of Marblehead were impressed into the British naval 
service, namely : John Smith, William Hooper, John Holden, Thomas Curtis, 
Samuel Brimblecom, Philip Brimblecom, Richard Pearce, Paul NewhaU, 
Israel Eaton, Benjamin Ashton, William Eaton, John Nicholson, William 
Homan, Thomas Mitchell, Jacob Wadden, Ambrose Dodd, William Mitchell, 
Luke Magan, Asa Prichard, William Pousland, and Thomas Porter. 



244 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

On the lOth of August, the celebrated battle between the 
United States frigate Constitution and the British frigate 
Guerriere took place, which resulted in a glorious victory 
for the Constitution. During the engagement, Captain 
William B. Orne,i of Marblehead, was a prisoner on board 
the Guerriere, and the following graphic account of the ac- 
tion is from his private journal. 

" I commanded the American brig Betsey, in the year 
1812, and was returning home from Naples, Italy, to Bos- 
ton. When near the western edge of the Grand Bank of 
Newfoundland, on the 10th of August, 1812, I fell in with 
the British frigate Guerriere, Captain Dacres, and was cap- 
tured by him. Myself and a boy were taken on board of 
the frigate ; the remainder of my officers and crew were left 
in the Betsey, and sent into Halifax, N. S., as a prize to the 
Guei'riere. On the 19th of the same month, when in lati- 
tude 41° 41' north, longitude about 55° 40' west, the wind 
being fresh from the northward, the Guerriere was under 
double-reefed topsails during all the forenoon of this day. 
At two P. M. we discovered a large sail to windward, bear- 
ing about north from us. We soon made her out to be a 
frigate. She was steering off from the wind, with her head 
to the southwest, evidently with the intention of cutting us 
off as soon as possible. Signals were soon made by the 
Guerriere ; but as they were not answered, the conclusion of 
course was that she was either a French or an American 
frigate. Captain Dacres appeared anxious to ascertain her 
character, and after looking at her for that purpose, handed 
me his spy-glass, requesting me to give him my opinion of 
the stranger. I soon saw, from the peculiarity of her sails 
and from her general appearance that she was without doubt 
an American frigate, and communicated the same to Cap- 
tain Dacres. He immediately replied that he thought she 
came down too boldly for an American, but soon after added, 
' The better he behaves, the more honor we shall gain by 
taking him.' 

1 Captain Orne subsequently removed to Brooklyn, N. Y. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 245 

" The two ships were rapidly approaching each other, 
when the Guerriere backed her main-topsail and waited for 
her opponent to come down and commence the action. He 
then set an English flag at each mast-head, beat to quarters, 
and made ready for the fight. When the strange frigate 
came down to within two or three miles distance, he hauled 
upon the wind, took in all his light sails, reefed his topsails, 
and deliberately prepared for action. It was now about five 
o'clock in the afternoon, when he filled away and ran down 
for the Guerriere. At this moment, Captain Dacres politely 
said to me : ' Captain Orne, as I suppose you do not wish 
to fight against your own countrymen, you are at liberty to 
go below the water-line.' It was not long after this before 
I retired from the quarter-deck to the cock-pit. Of course, 
I saw no more of the action until the firing ceased, but I 
heard and felt much of its efiiects ; for, soon after I left the 
deck, the firing commenced on board the Guerriere, and was 
kept up almost constantly until about six o'clock, when I 
heard a tremendous explosion from the opposing frigate. 
The effect of ber shot seemed to make the Guerriere reel 
and tremble as though she had received the shock of an 
earthquake. Immediately after this I heard a tremendous 
crash on deck, and was told the raizzen-mast was shot away. 
In a few moments afterward, the cock-pit was filled with 
wounded men. At about half-past six o'clock in the even- 
ing, after the firing had ceased, I went on deck, and there 
beheld a scene which it would be difficult to describe. All 
the Guerriere's masts were shot away, and, as she had no 
sails to steady her, she lay rolling like a log in the trough 
of the sea. Many of the men were employed in throwing 
the dead overboard. The decks were covered with blood, 
and had the appearance of a butcher's slaughter-house ; the 
gun-tackles were not made fast, and several of the guns got 
loose and were surging to and fro from one side to the other. 
Some of the petty officers and seamen, after the action, got 
liquor, and were intoxicated ; and what with the groans of 



246 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

the -wounded, the noise and confusion of the enraged sur- 
vivors on board of the ill-fated ship, rendered the whole 
scene a perfect hell." ^ 

The loss on board of the Guerriere, in killed, wounded, 
and missing, was 101. The loss on board the Constitution 
was seven killed and seven wounded. 

The news of this engagement was received in Marblehead 
with the greatest enthusiasm ; and so large a proportion of 
the crew of the victorious frigate were citizens of the town, 
it was considered almost a local victory. 

During the month of August, three prizes were captured 
and sent in by the Marblehead privateers. The Lion sent 
in a schooner laden with lumber and military stores. The 
Industry captured the brig Earl of Moria, bound from Liv- 
erpool to St. Andrew's, and sent her into Machias. The 
Growler, of Salem, Captain Lindsey, of Marblehead, cap- 
tured the brig Ann, of ten guns, bound from Liverpool to 
New Providence, richly laden with dry goods and crates 
worth 8100,00(5. 

Two other prizes were subsequently sent in, but the ex- 
act date of their capture cannot now be ascertained. One . 
was the brig Richard, of three hundred tons, captured by 
the Industry ; and the other was the brig Freedom, with 
seven hundred hogsheads of salt, sent in by the Thorn. 

The presidential election of 1812 resulted in another tri- 
umph for the Democratic party, and the reelection of Presi- 
dent Madison. This was accepted as an indorsement of the 
war policy of the administration and gave great satisfaction 
to its friends throughout the country. In Marblehead, es- 
pecially, the event was hailed with great rejoicing. Elbridge 
Gerry, who was revered and honored as a patriot and a 
statesman, had been elected vice-president of the United 
States, and nowhere was the honor conferred upon him and 
Massachusetts more sincerely appreciated than in his na- 
tive town.2 

1 Coggshall's Privateers of 1S12. 

2 Elbridge Gerry was boru iu Marblehead, July 17, 1774. He received 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 247 

On the 29tli of December a desperate engagement was 
fought off St. Salvador, between the United States frigate 
Constitution, then commanded by Captain Bainbriclge, and 
the British frigate Java, of thirty-eighty guns. The com- 
bat continued more than three hours, and when the Java 
struck she was reduced to a mere wreck. Of her crew, one 
hundred and sixty were killed and wounded, while on board 
the Constitution there were only thirty-four. Among the 
killed on board the Constitution in this action, were two 
brothers named Cheever, of Marblehead, the only sons of a 
poo}' widow. 

/6n the first of June, 1813, a battle was fought in the bay 
back of Marblehead Neck, in sight of a multitude of anxious 
spectators, between the United States frigate Chesapeake, 

the rudiments of his education in the common schools of Marblehead, and 
graduated from Harvard College in 1762. He was elected a representative 
from Marblehead to the General Court in 1772, and again in 1773. During the 
difficulties between England and the colonies preceding the Revolutionary War, 
he was an active member of the Committee of Safety of Marblehead. In 1774, 
he was chosen a member of the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts and con- 
tinued a member of that body until his election as a member of the Continental 
Congress in 1779. On the 4th of July of that year, he signed the Declaration 
of Independence. He continued a member of Congress until the year 1780, 
when he resigned and declined a reelection. In 1783, he was again chosen 
a member of Congress, and remained a member of that body till 178.5. During 
that year, and while a member of Congress, he was elected a member of the 
Massachusetts Legislature by the citizens of Marblehead. In 1786, he was a 
delegate to the Convention which met at Annapolis, Md., to report a system 
for the regulation of the commercial trade of the United States. In 1787, he 
was a member of the Convention which met at Philadelphia and framed the 
Constitution of the UnitecJ States. He was a member of the first and second 
Congress which met after the organization of the government in 1789. In 
1797, he was chosen an elector of president and vice-president of the United 
States, and cast his vote for John Adams. During the same year he was ap- 
pointed by President Adams a commissioner to France. In 1810, he was 
elected governor of Massacliusetts and in 1811 was reelected. In 1811, he 
was elected vice-president of the United States. While on his way to the cap- 
ital as president of the Senate he died suddenly in the city of Washington, 
November 23, 1814, at the age of seventy years. His remains were buried in 
the Congressional Cemetery at Washington, and in 1823 Cougress erected a 
monument to his memory. 



248 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

commanded by Captain Lawrence, and the British frigate 
Shannon, commanded by Captain Broke. Tlie action ter- 
minated fatally for the Chesapeake and the intrepid Law- 
rence was mortally wounded. Of the crew of the Shannon, 
twenty-four were killed and fifty-six wounded. Of the crew 
of the Chesapeake, forty-eight were killed and nearly one 
hundred wounded. When carried below and asked if the 
colors should be struck, Captain Lawrence replied : " No : 
they shall wave while I live." Delirious from excess of 
suffering, he continued to exclaim. " Dont give up the 
ship ! " an expression consecrated by the people of Marble- 
head as the last words also, of the heroic Mugford, thirty- 
seven years before./ 

During the engagement, three Marblehead sailors were on 
board the Shannon as prisoners of war, by whom the prog- 
ress of the battle was watched with the utmost interest. 
They had been taken on board a prize of the privateer 
America, several da3^s before, and their hopes of a speedy 
delivery were suddenly brought to an end by the capture 
of the Chesapeake. 

The body of Captain La^vl•ence was carried to Halifax, 
but was subsequently brought to Salem, and reburied with 
great parade, the Hon. Joseph Story, a native of Marble- 
head, acting as the orator of the day. 

The large number of British sloops of war which were 
cruising about the bay caused the inhabitants to fear an 
attack upon the town, and in the spring and summer of this 
year active preparations were made for its defense. Forti- 
fications were erected, and batteries were stationed on Twis- 
den's Hill, Goodwin's Head, Hewitt's Head, and on the 
Neck. The town was divided into two wards, and all the 
able-bodied men remaining at home were enlisted into com- 
panies and detailed for guard duty. The Marblehead Light 
Infantry, which now numbered one hundred men in its 
ranks, acted as a reserve force to be called upon in case of 
an attack. A company was also recruited, and mustered 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 249 

into the service of the United States, for duty at Fort Se- 
wall. This company was under the command of Capt. 
John Bailey, and Joshua O. Bowden, the efficient com- 
mander of the Light Infantry, was its first lieutenant. 

Guards were stationed along the coast, on the Neck, and 
at various localties in the town, for the purpose of alarm- 
ing the inhabitants should an attack be made. On several 
occasions the alarm gun was heard, and the citizens rushed 
to arms ; but in every instance the vigilant sentinels were 
mistaken, and no attack was made. 

These precautionary measures were not adopted by the 
town, however, without sufficient cause. The British cruis- 
ers had become so bold that in several instances nnarmed 
American vessels were captured within full sight of the 
shore, and almost within range of the guns of the fort. On 
one occasion, during the month of August, two English ships 
of war sailed close into the Neck, and captured six coasting 
vessels which were bound to Boston. 

During this period of excitement, two men were killed by 
the guards in the public streets of the town. Both of the 
unfortunate incidents occurred in the night, when it was im- 
possible for the sentinels to see who was approaching. One 
of the victims was a young man named Joseph Butman, 
who was foolishly trying to alarm the sentinel stationed at 
the town house. The other was a negro, known as Black 
Charley, who was shot by the sentinel stationed at Lovis's 
Cove. Charley was on his way home from a dancing party, 
where he had performed the important service of fiddler, 
and being somewhat deaf, it is presumed did not hear the 
challenge of the guard. These sad events cast a general 
gloom over the community, and were deeply regretted ; but 
the stern necessities of war demanded that the guards should 
be commended for the faithful performance of duty. 

During the month of February, 1814, a number of Brit- 
ish prisoners were brought to Marblehead and confined in 
Fort Sewall. This action on the part of the government 



250 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

was seriously resented by the citizens, many of whom de- 
clared that, if opportunity offered, they would inflict sum- 
mary vengeance upon the detested Englishmen, in retalia- 
tion for the inhuman treatment of American prisoners by 
the British. Finally, as a measure of precaution, the pris- 
oners were removed and carried to Boston.^ 

On Sunday, the 3d of April, 1814, the citizens were 
alarmed by the sudden ajjpearance of three ships of war, 
which appeared to be sailing directly for Marblehead Har- 
bor. Two of the frigates were ascertained to have British 
flags at their mast-heads, while the third, which was in ad- 
vance of the others, carried the stars and stripes. It proved 
to be the frigate Constitution, wliich for three days had been 
chased by the British frigates Tenedos and Endymion. As 
the three stately ships neared the land, and the exciting 
chase could be more distinctly witnessed, the headlands and 
housetops were filled with interested and anxious spectators. 
The Constitution succeeded in escaping from her pursuers, 
and, as she majestically sailed into the harbor, cheer after 
cheer rent the air, and from many a heart a prayer of thanks- 
giving went forth for the preservation and safety of " Old 
Ironsides." When about three miles out, the commander of 
the Constitution inquired if any of the Marblehead seamen 
felt competent to pilot the ship into the harbor. "Aye, 
aye, sir ! " was the answer from a score of volunteers, and 
from the number Samuel Green was selected, by whom the 
good ship was successfully brought in. Towards evening 
she again weighed anchor and sailed into Salem Harbor, 
where she was not so much exposed, and was less liable to 
attack. 

One evening, late in the month of July, two ships sailed 
into the harbor, causing some ap])rehensions of an attack. 
An alarm-gun was fired, and the people prepared to repel 
them should they prove to be enemies. They were neutral 
vessels, however, being the Dutch sloop-of-war Ajax, and 

1 See files Salem Gazette, 1814. 



OF MAEBLEHEAD. 251 

the merchant ship Prince of Orange, under her convoy. 
The Ajax had on board his Excellency Mynheer Chaugu- 
lon, with his family and suite, who had come as minister 
from the Prince of Orange to the United States. The next 
day the ships sailed for Boston, where the minister was re- 
ceived in state, and with the honors due his station. 

While these events were transpiring at home, the heroic 
sons of Marblehead were winning unfading laurels by their 
valorous conduct upon the watei'. In the spring of 1814, 
Capt. David Porter, in the frigate Essex, engaged the British 
frigate Phoebe, of' fifty-two, and the sloop-of-war Cherub, of 
twenty-eight guns, in the harbor of Valparaiso. For more 
than two hours he sustained this unequal encounter, before 
he surrendered, and his crew fought with a bravery never 
exceeded. Of his intrepid officers and seamen, fifty-eight 
were killed, thirty-one were missing, thirty-eight were se- 
verely, and twenty-five slightly wounded. During the ac- 
tion, Lieut. John Glover Cowell, a son of the intrepid Capt. 
Richard Cowell, and a grandson of Gen. John Glover, of 
Revolutionary fame, was w^ounded. After having the wound 
dressed a second time, he returned to his station, when an- 
other shot severely wounded him in the leg. He was taken 
up to be carried below ; but peremptorily refusing to go, he 
continued at his post until loss of blood rendered him insen- 
sible. He was then taken below and placed under the care 
of the surgeon. After the battle he was carried on shore, 
where his leg was amputated, and after suffering with exem- 
plary fortitude for twenty-one days, he expired in the pres- 
ence of his gallant companions. " His case excited in Val- 
paraiso the liveliest interest. The whole city most feelingly 
and deeply sympathized in his sufferings and lamented his 
fate. His heroism had made every one his friend and his 
mourner. He was buried with the most distinguished hon- 
ors, both military and civil, that the place could afford. All 
the American and British officers, the crews of the Essex and 
the Essex Junior, of the Phcebe and Cherub, and of every 



252 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

other vessel in port, joined to swell tlie funeral procession. 
But the chief pomp that was displayed on this solemn and 
interesting occasion, arose from the attention of the inhab- 
itants of the place. It would be scarcely hyperbolical to say 
that the ashes of the gallant Cowell were watered by the 
tears of all Valparaiso. The concourse of Spaniards, headed 
by the governor of the district and a large military escort, 
was immense. 

" Followed by this vast and magnificent procession, and 
attended by solemn music and lighted tapers, the remains 
of the hero were carried to the principal church of the city. 
Here, after having been exposed to pubHc view for two 
days, shrouded in elegant funeral apparel, they were in- 
terred in consecrated ground within the walls of the build- 
ing, an honor never perhaps before conferred on a stranger 
in that part of the world." ^ 

The war virtually ended in December of this year, when 
the treaty of peace was signed at Ghent, by the representa- 
tives of the United States and Great Britain. In February, 
1815, the treaty was ratified by the two governments, and 
President Madison issued a proclamation to that effect. On 
the reception of the news in Marblehead, every house in 
town was illuminated, and from nearly every housetop some- 
thing was set flying to the breeze ; those wdio could not pro- 
cure flags, hoisting sheets, pillow cases, and in some instances 
even petticoats, in honor of the great event. For an entire 
week the church bells were rung, and as day after day their 
merry peals rang out, they left full conviction on every 
heart of the sincere joy and most ardent patriotism of the 
people. 

Though peace had been declared, over seven hundred 
citizens of Marblehead were confined in British prisons. 
Halifax, Chatham, Plymouth, and the loathsome prison 
ships each had their quota, while in Dartmoor Prison alone 
more than five hundred were confined. The majority of 
1 See Captain Porter's official report, and Boston papers of 1814. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 253 

these men were captured in privateers by British ships of 
many times their size and armament. Many, however, 
were taken from unarmed merchant vessels on their voyages 
to and from the various foreign ports. 

To narrate the experience of the men of Marblehead 
while confined in these prisons would require a volume in 
itself. Throughout the entire period of their incarceration, 
which lasted for six months after the war was over, they 
were noted for the cheerful manner in which they bore their 
sufferings and privations. It was only at times, when ad- 
verse intelligence was received concerning their loved ones 
at home, that they were depressed. At one time they were 
"told positively and circumstantially that three frigates sent 
their boats into Marblehead, and after driving out all the 
women and children, set fire to the town and reduced the 
whole to ashes." This for a time was believed, and the pris- 
oners from Marblehead were in a state of great anxiety. At 
another it was reported in the prison, " that peace between 
America and England was concluded, and that one of its 
conditions was giving up the fisheries on the banks of New- 
foundland. This alarmed the Marblehead men more than 
the report of the burning of their town; they raved and 
swore like mad men. ' If that be the case,' said they, ' I am 
damned, Marblehead is forever damned, and we are all 
damned ; and damnation seize the peacemakers wdio have 
consented to this condition.' On this subject they worked 
themselves into a fever and were very unhappy all the time 
the story was believed." ^ 

The brutal treatment to which the prisoners in Dartmoor 
Prison were subjected, culminated on the 6th of April, 1815, 
in a premeditated and bloody massacre. On the afternoon 
of that day some boys who were playing ball in one of the 
yards, accidentally knocked their ball over into the barrack 
yard. The disobliging sentinel in that yard refused to 

1 Journal of Chatham, Halifax, and Dartmoor. 



254 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

throw it back to them, and they therefore picked a hole in 
the wall to get in after it. This gave the murderous com- 
mander of the prison the pretext he desired. The alarm-bell 
was rung, and while the defenseless prisoners were running 
into the yard to ascertain the cause of the alarm, the sol- 
diers, who had been stationed at the gates and upon the 
walls, were ordered to fire upon them. There was no 
avenue of escape for the unfortunate victims. Even after 
they retreated to the interior of the prison, the soldiers pur- 
sued them and fired into the doors. Seven of the prisoners 
were killed, and sixty wounded. Among the wounded were 
John Peach, and Thomas Tindley, of Marblehead. 

A few days after the massacre, the hearts of the prisoners 
were made glad by the joyful intelligence that orders had 
been issued for their release. The news proved to be true, 
and it was not long before they were on board cartel-ships 
homeward bound. 

The intrepid Marbleheaders kept up their reputation for 
courage to the last. The captain of one of the ships being 
a man of weak nerves and rather a timid nature, was afraid 
to spread the amount of canvas that his ship could carry. 
This disgusted the prisoners, who were impatient to arrive 
home, and they accordingly took matters into their own 
hands. The captain was deposed, and an election was 
held for the choice of commander. Mr. John Hubbard, of 
]\Iarblehead, a son of the pastor of the First Congregational 
Church, was chosen, and that gentleman at once assumed 
command of the ship. Stepping upon the quarter-deck, he 
pohtely informed the English captain that the prisoners had 
voted to work the ship during the remainder of the passage, 
and that there was therefore no further need of his services, 
nor those of his crew. The captain and his subordinates, 
knowing that they had a resolute and determined set of 
men to deal with, offered no opposition, and in due season 
the voyage was completed in safety. 




iJIRiHI'LAtK ti|- lJ.!;KlL>i;i; (;i;Rk\. axd ViciNir^ 







\*iK\v ox \Vashi\(;t(1\ Strlk 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 255 

Over one thousand men from Marblehead were engaged 
in the war for " Free Trade and Sailors' Rights." Of these, 
seven hundred and twenty-six were on board privateers, oile 
hundred and twenty were in the navy, fifty-seven were in 
the army, and one hundred were members of the Marble- 
head Light Infantry. 



256 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 



CHAPTER Xn. 

At the close of the war the citizens applied themselves 
earnestly and industriously to the task of restoring their 
shattered fortunes. There were now only forty-eight ves- 
sels employed in the bank fisheries, eighteen of which were 
of less than fifty tons burden. When the embargo of 1807 
went into operation there were one hundred and sixteen 
vessels engaged in the business, ninety-eight of which were 
of more than fifty tons burden. This great reduction in the 
number of vessels engaged in the industry by which the in- 
habitants obtained a livelihood, is the best evidence that can 
be given of the sacrifices made by the town during the pe- 
riod of controversy and war with Great Britain. 

On the 4th of March, 1817, James Monroe, of Virginia, 
was inaugurated President of the United States. He was a 
man of amiable and conciliatory character, and was popular 
with both political parties. His inaugural address, which 
was remarkable for its patriotic sentiments, and the able 
and temperate manner with which it dealt with all the im- 
portant questions of the day, was warmly applauded through- 
out the country, by Federalists as well as Democrats. 

A few months after his inauguration. President Monroe 
made a tour of the Eastern States, and in so doing honored 
the town of Marblehead with a brief visit. He was re- 
ceived at the entrance of the town by a procession consisting 
of the military, the boards of town officers, the scholars of 
the public and private schools, the clergy, and a large con- 
course of citizens. He was escorted to the " Lee Mansion," 
where a large number of prominent citizens assembled " to 
pay their respects," and afterwards visited Fort Sewall and 
other points of interest. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 257 

The organization of Sabbath-schools in Marblehead began 
in the spring of 1818. On the 22d of May of that year, 
several prominent citizens assembled at the " New Meeting 
House," and measures were taken for the organization of a 
" Sabbath-school Union Society." At a subsequent meet- 
ing, held at Academy Hall, a constitution was adopted, and 
the society was organized by the choice of the following offi- 



cers; 



President. — Hon. William Reed. 

Vice-president, —r Dr. Calvin Briggs. 

Treasurer. — Hon. Nathaniel Hooper. 
Secretary. — Nathan Bowen, Esq. 

On Sunday, June 14, the school was opened, divisions hav- 
ing been established at each of the churches in town. These 
divisions were each under the direction of a superintendent 
and teachers elected by the society. The schools held their 
sessions on the morning of each Sabbath day from May to 
November, and continued under the direction of the society 
for eleven years, when each church assumed control of its 
own school. 

By a vote of the people of Massachusetts, a convention 
was called to meet at Boston in November, 1820, for the 
purpose of revising and amending the Constitution of the 
State. Benjamin Knight, John Prentiss, Jr., Nathan B. 
Martin, Hon. Nathaniel Hooper, and Capt. John Gregory, 
were elected as delegates from Marblehead. The conven- 
tion was in session seven weeks, and its deliberations were 
marked by the harmony which prevailed among its members. 
As a result of their labors, fourteen amendments were pro- 
posed, a majority of which were adopted by the people. 

The year 1824 was marked by an event of the greatest 
interest to the people of Marblehead. The venerable Mar- 
quis de Lafayette, who had come to the United States at 
the express invitation of Congress, was traveling through 
the country, and the citizens voted unanimously to invite 

17 



258 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

him to revisit the town. The invitation was accepted, and a 
day hite in the month of August was appointed for the aus- 
picious occasion. The distinguished visitor, accompanied by 
his son, George Washington Lafayette, was received at the 
entrance of the town by a procession of civic and military 
organizations, and escorted through the principal streets 
amid the joyful acclamations of the people. He was then 
conducted to the " Lee Mansion," where a grand dinner was 
served, and a public reception was given to the citizens. 
The dinner-table, it is said, presented a magnificent appear- 
ance. All the " well-to-do " families of the town contributed 
their silver ware to grace the festal board, and neither pains 
nor expense were spared in its arrangement. General La- 
fayette remained in jNIarblehead several hours, and before 
departing made a brief call upon Mrs. Mary Glover Hooper, 
the wife of Robert Hooper, Esq., and the only surviving 
daughter of his old friend and companion in arms. Gen. John 
Glover. 

Among other interesting incidents of this memorable day 
was the first appearance of the military company known as 
the Lafayette Guards, which had been organized a short 
time before, under command of Capt. William B. Adams. 

At this time, and for many years previous, the male in- 
habitants of Massachusetts were required by law to be en- 
rolled in the militia of the State. Only those belonging to 
the fire department, or who held the office of constable, were 
exempt from military duty. The scenes in INIarblehead on 
the days of the general muster were often ludicrous in the 
extreme. The inhabitants were divided into two artillery 
companies, one of which was known as the North Ward 
Company, and the other as that of the South Ward. The 
members of these companies were usually ordered to appear 
armed and equipped, and, like good soldiers, they always 
obeyed orders. Some presented themselves with swords and 
cutlasses of various lengths and shapes. Others were armed 
with gun-stocks without barrels, and vice versa. The ma- 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 259 

jority, however, carried clirk-knives, pistols, and anything 
that " could pass muster " in the shape of a weapon. Each 
company was possessed of two brass cannons, which more 
than made up for all deficiencies in other respects. Not a 
man was in uniform except the officers, who were gorgeous in 
blue coats, with brass buttons and gold lace. But the march 
was the principal feature of the great occasion. Trudging 
along beside a very short fisherman, clad in "monkey jacket 
and sou' -wester," would be a very tall farmer lad, in home- 
spun frock and broad-brimmed hat. The rolling gait of the 
fisherman and the gigantic strides of the farmer rendered it 
impossible for them to keep in step, and numerous were the 
misunderstandings on this account. 

Occasionally there was a division muster at some town in 
the county, and at such times the Marblehead artillerymen 
were conspicuous in the sham fights which occurred. It was 
at one of these sham fights in the year 1824, that the ex- 
pression " Marblehead never retreats," had its origin. " It 
was arranged that a high hill in Danvers should be held by 
a portion of the troops called the British, who, with their 
allies, the Indians, were to be attacked by the other troops 
and eventually retreat; while the attacking party were to 
take possession, and plant their flag on the ramparts. The 
wigwams were built and the preliminary arrangements all 
made, the Marblehead artillery being the last to retire. 

" Now the battle waxed loud and furious, big guns and 
little guns, smoke and smother, and the grand rush of the 
attacking party up the hill ; but it was brought to a stand- 
still by the persistent peppering from the Marbleheaders 
under Major Traill, and his gallant adjutant, afterwards 
Major Green. 

" ' Why don't you retreat ? ' said the attacking colonel, as 
the flashes threw the gun-wads in his face and singed his 
whiskers, ' why don't you retreat ? ' 

" But these semi-marine gunners, who had learned to 
handle and train a gun ' on the briny,' had got warmed up, 



260 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

and forgot that they for the nonce represented John Bull ; 
and one of them, rushing forward, sang out : ' Marblehead 
never retreats ! ' " i 

It is said, too, that some of the gunners loaded their guns 
with small potatoes, which rendered the attack a somewhat 
hazardous undertaking. 

Early in this year a society was incorporated by the name 
of the " Columbian Society," which for more than fifty 
years exercised a perceptible influence upon the political 
sentiments of the citizens. " Actuated by a sincere desire to 
promote political and useful knowledge among ourselves and 
our fellow men " — its members declared in the preamble of 
thair Constitution — " and believing no method so produc- 
tive of advantage in the improvement of the mind as read- 
ing and the interchange of sentiments and ideas among 
men ; and feeling an ardent zeal to perpetuate the princi- 
ples and rights for which our Fathers of the Revolution 
fought and bled ; we have associated and do by these pres- 
ents voluntarily associate ourselves together." This society 
was in the truest sense a Marblehead institution. Had it 
been otherwise it could not have existed. The doctrines 
inculcated by its constitution were democratic in the broad- 
est and noblest sense. Every person upon becoming a 
member was required to make the following declaration : 
" I do firmly believe that man by nature is and ought to 
be free ; that I cherish an ardent attachment to the rights 
and liberties of our coimtry, and the Republican institutions 
thereof." 

For many years the best moderators of our town meet- 
ings were graduates of the president's chair of the Colum- 
bian Society, and the most skillful debaters who participated 
in town meeting discussions obtained their experience at 
the weekly meetings of that institution. 

During this year the public streets were named by vote of 

1 This story, which appeared in a Boston paper some years ago, was corrob- 
orated by persons who remembered the incident. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. ' 261 

the town. Nearly all of them had been known as " lanes " 
from the time of the settlement of the town, and Mugford, 
Green, and State Streets are still familiar to most of the 
older inhabitants as " New Meeting House," " Ferry," and 
" Wharf " lanes. Previous to the breaking out of the 
Revolution, State Street was known as " King Street," but 
the patriotic citizens declined to recognize the name after 
the close of the war. One of the most curious incidents of 
this action of the town, was the naming of a narrow foot- 
path, leading over a ledge of rocks from Lookout Court, or 
Lodo-e Hill, to Lee Street. Its name as entered on the 
records is " Prospect Alley." 

As early as 1825, the manufacture of misses and chil- 
dren's shoes was introduced into Marblehead. Previous to 
this time, the only boots and shoes made in town were 
heavy leather boots for the use of fishermen and " custom 
shoes for ladies and gentlemen." The first manufacturer 
to engage in the new enterprise was Mr. Ebenezer Martin, 
who made his own shoes and sold them at retail. His work- 
shop was in the old " Reynolds House," on Darling Street. 
It was his custom to carry his goods about in a cart, and 
drive from one town to another, until he disposed of them. 
The next earliest manufacturer was Mr. Thomas Wool- 
dredge, whose factory was on Orne Street ; and a few years 
later Messrs. Benjamin Hawkes, Thomas Garney, and Ado- 
niram C. Orne, engaged in the business as a firm. Shortly 
after, Messrs. Samuel and Peter Sparhawk began business. 
Of all the early manufacturers, Mr. Samuel Sparhawk is 
the only one engaged in the business at the present time.^ 

During the year 1829 the attention of the citizens was 
called to the condition of the poor at the almshouse. A 
committee appointed by the town to investigate the matter, 
reported that one hundred and twelve persons were confined 
in the institution, a majority of whom were " lodged in a 
g-arret of the house for want of better accommodation." 

1 1879. 



262 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

Among other evils complained of was the allowance of ar- 
dent spirits to the subjects, " a barrel a month " being con- 
sumed. The place as a reformatory institution was an utter 
failure. Men convicted of drunkenness were sentenced to 
be confined in the almshouse, and while there were given an 
allowance of the beverage which had brought them to grief. 
These, and other evils, aroused the virtuous indignation of 
the citizens, and the result was a thorough reformation in 
the overseer's department. 

On Saturday, March 13, 1830, the first local newspaper 
ever established in town made its appearance. It was 
called the " Marblehead Register," and was published by 
Mr. Henry Blaney. For three years the editor struggled 
heroically to make the enterprise a success ; but his efforts- 
were futile, and he was obliged to suspend publication. 
Several newspapers have since been established, but a simi- 
lar fate has befallen them all, except the last, which is still 
in existence.^ 

During the year 1831, several important local institutions 
were established. On the 18th of March, the Grand Bank 
was incorporated with a capital of one hundred thousand 
dollars. At the first meeting of the stockholders, a board 
of nine directors was chosen, consisting of Messrs. Edmund 
Kimball, Joseph W. Green, Benjamin Porter, Joel Newhall, 
James Oliver, Knott Martin, Abel Gardner, David Blaney, 

1 The newspapers published in Marblehead since 1833 have been The Ga- 
zette, published by Peter Dixey, Jr., in 1832 ; The Mercury, published by Rob- 
inson Breare, in 1848 ; The Essex County Times, published by J. K. Averill, 
in 1848; The People's Advocate, published by Beckford & Coffin, in 1849 ; The 
ierf^fir, published by T. J. Hutchinson, in 1859. Mr. Hutchinson subsequently 
admitted a partner, and the firm name was changed to Hutchinson & Skinner. 
In 1861, Mr. Horace Traill became proprietor of the Ledger, anA it was pub- 
lished until the end of the year 1863. In December, 1871, The MarUehad Mes- 
senger was established by Messrs. Hart and Trask. Shortly after, Mr. Hart 
died, and the paper was published by Mr. E. I. Trask, with Mr. William Mar- 
tin Chamberlain as editorial manager. In 1874, the Messenger was purchased 
by Messrs. Samuel Roads, Jr., and Frederick W. Leek, by whom it -was con- 
ducted until January 1, 1877. It was then purchased by Messrs. N. Allen 
Lindsey and AVilliam S. Phillips, Jr., by whom it is still published. 



OF MAEBLEHEAD. 263 

and Edmund Bray. The directors subsequently elected 
Joseph W. Green, president, and John Sparhawk, Jr., cash- 
ier. At their first meeting the directors voted to purchase 
the estate of Capt. Wilham Russell, on Hooper Street, and 
to erect thereon a stone building with slated roof. On the 
18th of November the business of banking was begun in 
the new building. 

On the 30th of August, the town voted to petition Con- 
gress for the erection of a light-house on Point Neck. The 
light-house was erected in accordance with the wishes of the 
town, Mr. Ezekiel Darling being the first keeper. 

Early in this year the Marblehead Seamen's Charitable 
Society was organized. This society is still in existence, 
there being only one older society in town. The Marble- 
head Female Humane Society antedates it, having been or- 
ganized in 1816. 

In the summer of 1833, President Andrew Jackson, who 
had entered upon his second term as the executive of the 
nation, made a tour of the Middle and New England States. 
On the 28th of June, accepting the urgent invitation of 
the citizens, he visited Marblehead. He was received at 
the entrance of the town by a procession consisting of the 
military companies, a cavalcade of fifty horsemen, the fire 
department, scholars of the public schools, and a large con- 
course of citizens. Along the route of the procession several 
triumphal arches, decorated with flowers and bearing ap- 
propriate mottoes, were erected, and many private residences 
were elaborately decorated. President Jackson rode through 
the principal streets in an open carriage, after which the 
procession halted at the " Lee Mansion," where an address 
of welcome was delivered by Frederick Robinson, Esq. A 
dinner had been provided for the occasion, but to the great 
disappointment of the citizens their distinguished visitor 
was obliged to proceed as soon as possible to Salem, and 
they were deprived of the pleasure of his company. 

The violent opposition to the measures of President 



264 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

Jackson's administration, gave rise to a new political or- 
ganization, known as the Whig party. Between this party 
and the Democrats there existed a feeling of the most bitter 
hostility. This was especially true of the adherents of both 
parties in Marblehead. Their opposition to each other was 
so intense that on the occasion of a Fourth of July celebra- 
tion in 1834 they refused to act in concert, and the result 
was two rival celebrations. 

The Democrats formed a procession, and escorted by the 
Lafayette Guards, with a drum and fife and two bugles, pro- 
ceeded to the Methodist jMeeting-house, where an oration 
was delivered by Mr. Frank Knight, a native of the town. 
They then marched to Fort Sewall, where a dinner was pro- 
vided, and appropriate speeches were made by prominent 
members of the party. The Whigs were escorted by the 
Marblehead Light Infantry, a majority of whose members 
were of that political faith: Led by a band of music, they 
marched to the Old North Meeting-house, where an oration 
was delivered ; after which they sat down to a dinner at 
Academy Hall. 

During the year 1835, the fire department was thoroughly 
reorganized. The town at this time owned four hand en- 
gines, including the " Friend" and the " Endeavour," already 
mentioned. The other two were the " Union," purchased 
in 1798, which was located at the junction of Orne and 
Washington Streets, and the "Liberty," purchased about 
1808, which was located on the hill at the head of Watson 
Street. Besides these there were two engines owned by 
private parties, one of which was named the " Torrent," and 
the other the " Relief." The " Torrent " was located in 
the rear of the Stone Church, and the " Relief " in a small 
building near the " Lee Mansion House." 

A committee appointed by the town to examine the sev- 
eral engines belonging to the fire department, reported 
that only one, the " Liberty," was " worth spending a dollar 
on." That engine was accordingly repaired and refitted 



OF MAEBLEHEAD. 265 

with all the modern improvements, and two new suction 
engines, the "• Marblehead " and " Essex," were purchased. 
Two new houses were erected for their accommodation, 
that of the " Marblehead " being on Bassett Street and that 
of the " Essex " on Franklin Street. 

During the year 1836, the Universalist Society was or- 
ganized. For a time the meetings were held in the hall on 
the corner of Washington and Darling Streets ; but the 
following year, so rapid had been the growth of the society, 
that the present church edifice was erected on the corner of 
Watson and Pleasant Streets. 

The year 1837 is memorable as the period of one of the 
most severe financial panics the country has ever experi- 
enced. Business was everywhere at a stand-still ; bank- 
ruptcy had become a common lot, and by midsummer the 
banks universally had suspended specie payments. Notwith- 
standing the distress which prevailed in consequence of the 
depression of business, the year was one of the most event- 
ful in the annals of Marblehead. For years the town had 
maintained three grammar schools, known as the North, 
Centre, and South schools. It was now voted to establish a 
High School, with separate departments for boys and girls. 
The school was established in accordance with the vote of 
the town, and the building known as the " Masonic Lodge " 
was rented for its accommodation. 

It was during this year, also, that the famous controversy 
over the "Surplus Revenue" took place. During the ad- 
ministration of President Jackson, a large amount of money 
accumulated in the treasury of the United States. By an 
act of Congress, the Secretary of the Treasury was author- 
ized to distribute the amount among the several States, 
and the State of Massachusetts, on the reception of its pro- 
portion, distributed it among the towns of the Common- 
wealth. By this act of the legislature the town of Mar- 
blehead received about thirteen thousand dollars. As soon 
as it was known that the town was to receive so large a 



266 THE fflSTORY AND TRADITIONS 

sum of money, a controversy arose among the citizens as 
to the disposition that should be made of it. At a town 
meeting held on the 15th of April, a committee of nine per- 
sons was chosen to take the matter into consideration, and 
"to report at length" on the disposal of the money. The 
Hon. Frederick Robinson was chairman of the committee, 
and ujjon their recommendation it was voted that the money 
be appropriated " for the purchase of a large, fertile, and 
convenient town farm, of not less than one hundred acres, 
and for erecting upon it a large, durable, and convenient 
building for the poor." A committee, consisting of Messrs. 
Frederick Robinson, Benjamin Stone, William B. Adams, 
Samuel Avery, Richard Cole, and Jeremiah Hathawaj^, was 
chosen to carry the vote into effect. Three dsijs later, the 
citizens again convened, and a building committee was 
chosen, with authority to "take down the old almshouse, 
and to erect a new one on the town farm." The entire 
scheme to purchase a farm was bitterly opposed by a large 
minority, and at a meeting held on the 24th of April it was 
voted to reconsider all former votes, and to divide the money 
among the inhabitants per capita. This proposition was 
carried by a vote of 172 in the affirmative and 144 in the 
negative. In the afternoon an adjourned meeting was held, 
when the friends of the town farm succeeded in reconsider- 
ing the action of the morning, and defeating the " dividing 
project." One meeting after another was held to consider 
the matter, and the excitement of the citizens increased with 
each meeting. During the controversy, Frederick Robinson, 
John Hooper, Richard Girdler, and Andrew Lackey, were in 
turn elected town treasurer, all of whom declined to serve. 
Finally the choice fell upon Mr. John Nutting, who accepted. 
At one meeting it was voted to " indefinitely postpone the 
entire matter," and at another to " cancel the outstanding 
orders of the town with the fund." At length, after a con- 
troversy of nearly a year in duration, it was ascertained that 
the town was under a legal obligation to purchase the farm 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 267 

belonging to Humphrey Devereux, Esq. The farm was ac- 
cordingly purchased for the sum of fl3,000. Two years 
later the farm was sold for 111,000, and the money was 
turned over to the treasurer, the town losing $2,000 by the 
transacrton. 

The date of the regular establishment of stage communi- 
cation between Marblehead and Boston was about the year 
1768. The establishment of a regular line of stages be- 
tween Marblehead and Salem, however, did not take place 
until twenty- six years later. The first proprietor of a line 
of stages in Marblehead, of whom we have any knowledge, 
was Mr. Hooker Osgood, who drove regularly to Boston for 
many years previous to the War of 1812. He died in 1811, 
and the business was purchased by Messrs. Israel Putnam 
and Jonathan Cass. This firm subsequently sold out to a 
company, under whose management the business was con- 
ducted for several years. Upon the abandonment of the 
enterprise by the company, Mr. Cass resumed the business, 
with Mr. Increase H. Brown as a partner. In 1829, Mr. 
Cass withdrew, and Mr. Brown entered into a copartnership 
with Messrs. Stephen P. Hathaway and Benjamin Thomp- 
son, the style of the firm being I. H. Brown & Co. A stage 
was driven to Boston daily, and to Salem twice a day, Mr. 
Thompson being the driver of the former, and Mr. Hatha- 
way of the latter. On the opening of the Eastern Railroad 
between Salem and Boston, in 1838, the stage to Boston 
was discontinued, and, instead, stages were driven four times 
a day to the Marblehead Depot, then located in Swampscott, 
on what is now known as the " Old Lynn Road." On the 
opening of the Marblehead and Salem Branch of the East- 
ern Railroad, in 1839, the stage to Salem was discontinued. 

The year 1839 may be said to have been the period when 
the fishing business of Marblehead reached the zenith of its 
prosperity. At that time ninety-eight vessels, only three 
of which were under fifty tons burden, were employed in 
the business, — a larger number than have ever sailed from 
this port since the time of " Jefferson's embargo." 



268 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

By the will of Mr. A. S. Courtis, who died during the 
year 1839, the town received a legacy of $5,000, upon condi- 
tion of an annual payment of live per cent, to his three heirs 
during their lifetime. At the death of the last heir the 
whole amount was to revert to the town for the purchase of 
school-books and stationery for poor children. A committee 
chosen to take the matter into consideration reported that 
the heirs had offered to compromise with the town for the 
sum of f 500, and it was voted to accept the proposition. 

The presidential contest of 1840, known as the "Hard 
Cider Campaign," was one of the most exciting and mem- 
orable in the history of the country. President Van Buren 
was renominated by the Democrats ; against him the Whigs 
placed Gen. William Henry Harrison, a man of great 
popularity by reason of his services on the northwestern 
frontier in the War of 1812. The struggle in Marble- 
head was marked by an unusual degree of bitterness and 
intolerance. The enthusiasm of partisans was aroused to 
the highest pitch, and in many instances the reason of 
voters was obscured by prejudice and personal feeling. Po- 
litical meetings were held every day and evening during the 
campaign. The meetings of the Whigs were held in a " Log 
Cabin," which they had erected on the estate now owned by 
John S. Martin, Esq., on Pleasant Street, while the Demo- 
crats held their meetings in a " Pavilion " on the Common. 
The .contest resulted in the election of General Harrison, by 
a large majority. 

The question of slavery, which had occupied the attention 
of thinking men throughout the country to a greater or less 
degree ever since the close of the War for Independence, was 
now again brought before the people. Anti-slavery con- 
ventions were held in all the Northern and Western States, 
and though not largely attended, were beginning to have a 
perceptible effect in moulding public opinion. In February, 
1841, an Anti-slavery convention was held at Georgetown, 
Mass., and as a result of its deliberations the political organi- 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 269 

zation known as the Liberty Party came into existence. 
This party advocated the total aboHtion of slavery in the 
District of Columbia, over which Congress had the sole 
legislative power. The only person from Marblehead who 
attended the convention at Georgetown was Mr. Samuel 
Goodwin, a gentleman who had long been an earnest and 
outspoken abolitionist. Three years later, at the presiden- 
tial election of 1844, six votes were cast in Marblehead for 
the candidates of the Liberty Party. The voters were : 
Samuel Goodwin, Ambrose Allen, Robert P. Stevens, 
George Pedrick, Thomas M. Goodwin, and John Dennis. 
These gentlemen appeared regularly at the polls at each re- 
curring State election, and their party gradually increased to 
fifteen members. For years they made little or no progress, 
but with steady resolution and firm devotion to principle, 
they maintained their organization, forming the nucleus of 
the great Anti-slavery party which, under two names, has 
assumed such proportions in Marblehead. 

The year 1844 was marked by the erection of the building 
known as " Lyceum Hall," and by the organization of two 
of the most prominent and influential societies in the town. 
These were Samaritan Tent of Rechabites, and Atlantic 
Lodge of Odd Fellows. 

In 1845, another engine was added to the fire depart- 
ment. This engine was the " Gerry," and upon its recep- 
tion the Fire Association of that name was organized. 

The year 1846 marks a memorable period of distress in 
the annals of the town. On the 19th of September of that 
year, one of the most terrible gales ever known took place 
on the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, and ten vessels be- 
longing in Marblehead, containing sixty-five men and boys, 
were lost. Forty-three of these unfortunate seamen were 
heads of families, leaving forty-three widows and one hun- 
dred and fifty-five fatherless children. This great calamity 
may be said to have given the death-blow to the fishing in- 
terests of the town. Gradually as the years have passed 



270 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

one vessel after another has dropped from the roll of 
" Bankers," until only one remains as a silent reminder of 
the greatness of the industry in former years. 

In 1848, the Marblehead Seamen's Charitable Society 
erected a monument on the " Old Burying Hill " in memory 
of its deceased members, fourteen of whom were lost in the 
September gale of 1846. The monument is of white mar- 
ble, fifteen feet high, and stands upon the highest point of 
ground on the hill, being visible from ten to fifteen miles 
at sea. 

The inhabitants had not recovered from the calamity of 
1846 when another of a different nature, but not less appall- 
ing, cast a gloom over the entire community. The presi- 
dential campaign of 1848 had nearly drawn to its close, 
when on Thursday evening, November 2, two large political 
gatherings were held at Salem. The Hon. Daniel Webster 
was advertised to address the Whigs, and Gen. Caleb Cush- 
ing the Democrats. Special trains were run to Salem from 
all the towns in the vicinity, and more than two hundred 
citizens of Marblehead availed themselves of the opportunity 
to listen to the eloquence of the great orators. At twelve 
o'clock that night, as the Marblehead train was returning 
from Salem, a collision took place with the down train from 
Lynn. The engine, tender, and forward car of the Marble- 
head train were utterly demolished. Six of the occupants 
of the car were killed, and five were seriously wounded. 
The killed were, Henry G. Trefry, Samuel Manning, John 
Stevens, Nathaniel Roundy, John Cross, and John Cloon 
Russell. Mr. Benjamin F. Brown was maimed for life, hav- 
ing both legs broken. Messrs. Francis Curtis, Edmund 
Glover, Thomas Clothey, and Asa Hooper, were seriously 
wounded ; and several others, including the engineer, were 
slightly injured. 

During the year 1849, the ship Robert Hooper, owned by 
Mr. Edward Kimball, was constructed at " Red Stone " 
Cove. The launching, which took place on the 31st of 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 27i 

October, was witnessed by bundreds of people, many of 
wbom came from tbe neigbboring cities and towns. Busi- 
ness was generally suspended, and tbe day was observed as 
a boliday tbrougbout tbe town. Tbe enterprise tbus begun, 
for a time gave promise of becoming one of tbe permanent 
industries of tbe town. Six otber sbips of from eigbt bun- 
dred to twelve bundred tons burden were subsequently built 
for Mr. Kimball ; and witbin a period of nine years twenty 
scboouers of from eigbty-seven to one bundred and twelve 
tons burden were built for various persons engaged in tbe 
fisbing business. 

In 1850, a Hook and Ladder Carriage was purcbased and 
placed in tbe fire department. It was named tbe " Wash- 
ington," and a company was organized for its management. 

During tbe following year, tbe present almshouse was 
erected by vote of tbe town. 

For several years tbe " Manifestations," at Rochester, 
New York, had engaged public attention, and during tbe 
year 1852, several families in town avowed themselves as 
believers in tbe doctrines of Spiritualism. Seances were 
at first held at tbe residence of Mr. John Lefavour, on Bea- 
con Street, and subsequently at the house of Mr. Samuel 
B. Gregory, opposite the Common, and at that of the Hon. 
Frederick Robinson, on Sewall Street. A few years later 
public lectures were regularly given at Shawmut Hall. A 
society of Spiritualists was subsequently organized, and ex- 
isted several years. It finally disbanded, however, and for 
some years the seances have been held at private houses. 

In 1852, the Infantry Company known as the Glover 
Light Guards was organized. The first captain was Mr. 
William H. Hooper, a descendant of General Glover. 

On the 31st of March, 1853, Mr. Moses A. Pickett, a 
gentleman who had for years been a noted character in the 
town from his odd, eccentric manners, died and was buried. 
The event attracted little or no attention at the time be- 
yond tbe circle of his few immediate relatives and friends ; 



272 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

but when his will was opened it was found that he had be- 
queathed the entire residue of his estate, after paying a few 
small legacies, to be used as a fund " to comfort the widow 
and the fatherless, the aged, the sick, and the unhappy." 
His house, he directed should be kept in repair, and " let to 
widows at a moderate rent." There was only one provision 
in the will, which was that those to whom his house gave 
shelter, should be natives of the town of Marblehead. The 
entire amount of the bequest was about 113,400. 

In his lifetime, Mr. Pickett had been considered a man 
of a very penurious and miserly disposition ; but when the 
contents of the will were made known, the mouths that for 
years had been sealed were opened. Then, for the first 
time, his quiet and unostentatious charities were made 
known. The widow, the fatherless, the aged and the sick, 
had many times been the recipients of his never failing 
help in time of need. They had not known the name of 
their mysterious benefactor, and- the local dealers who were 
the almoners of his charity had been pledged to secrecy. 
It was not until he had been called to his reward, that his 
fellow-citizens saw and appreciated the true worth of the 
man who had lived among them. 

The remainder of the year 1853 is chiefly memorable on 
account of the three great military festivals which took place 
before it closed. On Tuesday, June 28, the Marblehead 
Light Infantry, which had adopted the name of " Sutton, " 
in honor of Gen. William Sutton, appeared under the com- 
mand of Capt. Knott V. Martin. Among the distinguished 
visitors present were His Excellency Governor Clifford, the 
Hon. Charles W. Upham, who at that time represented the 
Essex District in Congress, and a large number of military 
officers from other towns. The Glover Light Guards, under 
Capt. John M. Anderson, appeared in a grand parade on 
the 29th of September ; and on the 1 9th of October, the 
Lafayette Guards, under command of Capt. John Carroll, 
Jr., made a similar demonstration. On each of these occa- 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 273 

sions the company parading was presented with a silk ban- 
ner, the gift of the ladies of the town. 

The anniversary of American Independence had been 
celebrated from time to time with great parade, but proba- 
bly the greatest celebration of the kind ever known in town 
was that which took place on the Fourth of July, 1856. At 
nine o'clock in the morning of that day, a procession was 
formed in seven divisions, consisting of the three military 
companies ; the entire fire department ; all the secret societies 
and other organizations ; the scholars of the public schools ; 
the town officials and their predecessors in office ; aged citi- 
zens in carriages ; a party of mounted Indian warriors and 
a cavalcade of horsemen. Mr. Joseph P. Turner acted as 
Chief Marshal. The procession moved through all the prin- 
cipal streets to the " Old North Church," where an oration 
was delivered by W. C. Endicott, Esq., of Salem. The 
other exercises consisted of prayer by the Rev. B. R. Allen, 
and reading the Declaration of Independence by Mr. Frank- 
lin Knight. An ode, written for the occasion by Mrs. 
Maria L. Williams, was sung by the choir. In the evening 
there was a brilliant display of fij-e-works, under the direc- 
tion of a Boston pyrotechnist. 

In 1856, a lodge of the " Sons of Temperance " was or- 
ganized, known as " Washington Division No. 3." The 
following year, the " Marblehead Musical Association " was 
organized. 

In 1858, several communicants of the First Congrega- 
tional Church withdrew from that body, and organized the 
society which for nearly twenty years was known as the 
*' Third Congregational Church." During the year 1860 the 
society erected the house of worship known as the " South 
Church," on the corner of Essex and School streets. 

On the 5th of December, 1858, the Hibernian Friendly 
Society was organized. 

The year 1859 was as remarkable for local events as any 
in the history of the town. On the 1st of January, a new 

18 



274 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

engine, named the Mngford, was added to the fire depart- 
ment. On the evening of that day the Mugford Fire Asso- 
ciation was organized. 

A controversy had arisen relative to the purchase of an- 
other hand engine, and many of the firemen were loud in 
their praises of a machine known as the " Button-Tub En- 
gine." The town decided adversely to the proposition, how- 
ever, and the engine known as the " General Glover " was 
purchased. The General Glover Fire Association was or- 
ganized upon its reception. 

On the 16th of October, the Waterside Cemetery was 
consecrated with appropriate exercises, consisting of prayer, 
singing, and an address by the Rev. Benjamin R. Allen, 
pastor of the North Congregational Church. 

On the 29th of the same month a destructive fire broke 
out on State Street, destroying two buildings, and seriously 
damaging several others. The loss was about five thousand 
dollai-s. 

For several years, the citizens professing the faith of the 
Roman Catholic Church had maintained occasional services 
at private houses and in various halls in town, going to Sa- 
lem to receive the holy communion. In 1859, the church 
" Star of the Sea " was erected, and since that time services 
have been regularly held. During the same year Washing- 
ton Lodge of Good Templars and the Young Men's Chris- 
tian Association were organized. 

The year 1860 was not less eventful than the previous 
year had been. On the 26th of January, a large building 
on Essex Street, known as Bassett's Hall, was totally de- 
stroyed by fire. This hall had been erected but a short time 
before, and was dedicated to the use of the Spiritualists of 
the town. The house of the " General Glover Fire Asso- 
ciation " was also destroyed. Another house was soon 
erected on Pleasant Street for the use of the company, how- 
ever, and at the same time a house was erected on State 
Street for the use of the " Gerry Fire Association." 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 275 

A reduction of the price paid for labor by the shoe man- 
ufacturers of Lynn and Marblehead, in the spring of this 
year, resulted in one of the greatest strikes ever known in 
either place. Nearly every man, woman, and child employed 
in the manufacture of shoes in Marblehead participated in 
the movement, and there was a general determination not 
to submit to the reduction. On the 2d day of March the 
" strikers " made a grand demonstration, and in their parade 
about town they were escorted by the entire fire department 
and the three military companies. Five days later a simi- 
lar demonstration took place in Lynn, when the shoemakers 
of Marblehead, escorted by the firemen and military, visited 
that city and participated in the proceedings. On the 29th 
of March, the " women strikers " paraded about town, and 
one of their number acted as drummer. With commendable 
gallantry, the firemen and the military again tendered their 
services as an escort, and the affair passed off very pleasantly 
for all concerned. At length, after a strike of six weeks in 
duration, the shoemakers accepted the terms of the manu- 
facturers, and returned to their labor. 

The presidential contest of this year was as exciting in 
Marblehead as elsewhere throughout the country. The ques- 
tion of the extension of slavery was now brought before the 
people for decision as it had never been before. Four can- 
didates for the presidency were in the field, supported by as 
many different parties. But there is little need of a review 
of this subject here. The result is well known, and another 
chapter will treat of the part taken by the men of Marble- 
head in the civil war which followed. 



276 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 



CHAPTER Xin. 

The end of the year 1860 closed a quarter of a century of 
great industrial development in the history of Marblehead. 
For a period of fifty years previous to the year 1835, not a 
street or road was laid out in the town. Nearly every street 
was overcrowded with houses, and there were few vacant 
lots to be obtained in the settled portion of the township, 
that were considered available for building purposes. A 
general apathy seemed to have settled over the entire com- 
munity. Those who owned land would not sell it for busi- 
ness enterprises or other purposes, and, as a natural conse- 
quence, there came to be little or no demand for it. In 1835, 
a new order of things was inaugurated. During that year, 
through the persistent efforts ©f Mr. Adoniram C. Orne, a 
road was laid out by the county commissioners, which may 
properly be called an extension of Pleasant Street. This 
road began at a point near the corner of Spring Street, and 
extended through a field known as the "tan yard," in which 
the " Brick Pond " was situated, into Washington Street. 
This was a great improvement, as previous to that time 
Pleasant Street opened into Washington Street through 
what is now known as Essex Street. 

With the opening of the railroad to Salem, in 1839, an 
impetus was given to the manufacturing interests of the 
town, and an era of prosperity began. One of the first to 
avail themselves of the advantages presented by this ready 
means of transportation by rail, was Mr. Joseph R. Bassett, 
an energetic and enterprising young man who had estab- 
lished himself in the shoe business a few years before. As 
his business increased he built a factory near the depot, and 



OP MARBLEHEAD. 



277 



beo^an to devise measures for the improvement of tlie town. 
But in those days the people of Marblehead were not easily- 
convinced of the necessity of improvement, and Mr. Bassett 
was obliged to contend with the stubborn opposition and 
blind conservatism of his fellow-citizens. For years a twine 
factory or rope- walk had been situated in a field fronting on 
Washington Street, and a few feet back of this building 
there was a tan yard and a cordage factory. The only- 
access to these buildings until another way was opened by 
the extension of Pleasant Street, was by means of a narrow 
foot path which led from Washington Street to a gate at 
the entrance to the pastures on " Reed's Hill." The first 
venture of the enterprising shoe manufacturer was to pur- 
chase the field in which the rope-walk stood, and in a short 
time the foot path was transformed into the street now 
known as School Street. The town refused to sanction his 
action, and would not accept the street after it was finished. 
He was not to be discouraged, however, and a short time 
after purchased the " Sewall Lot," through which a street 
was laid out from the Cornish and Evans estate to a point 
on " Reed's Hill." This street was accepted by the town 
in 1844, and has since been known as "Sewall Street." 
''Spring Street" was laid out during the following year, 
and was so named from a spring of pure water on the prem- 
ises. Mr. Bassett's next movement was to lay out and build 
four streets over Reed's Hill, and in that vicinity. 

The question which now perplexed the people was, " How 
could the house-lots on all these streets be sold, and by 
whom would they be purchased ? " The problem was soon 
solved. On every street that he had laid out Mr. Bassett 
began to build neat and comfortable cottages, agreeing to 
furnish those of his workmen who purchased them with 
constant employment, and to deduct a certain proportion 
from their earnings every week, until the houses and lots 
were paid for. This proposition was readily accepted by 
many of his workmen; and in a few years the entire seo- 



278 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

tion in the vicinity of the new streets was covered with 
houses. 

Though actively engaged in enterprises which were to a 
greater or less extent of a public nature, Mr. Bassett did 
not neglect his own business. With the keen foresight of a 
shrewd business man, he made use of every new invention 
as it appeared, and the effect was soon apparent in the in- 
creasing proportions of his business. In 1844 he introduced 
the first sewing-machine ever used in the town. It was 
used for stitching uppers, Miss Hannah Johnson, a young 
woman at work in his factory, being the first operator. Pre- 
vious to this time, all the shoes manufactured in town had 
been made entirely by hand. With the introduction of the 
sewing-machine other possibilities were suggested and the 
idea was conceived of using it for binding shoes as well as 
stitching them. The work was at first performed by stitch- 
ing the binding on one side of the upper with the machine, 
and then turning it over and sewing it down on the other 
side by hand. This was not a very satisfactory method, 
however, and finally Mr. Bassett succeeded in inventing a 
" binding attachment " fof the machine. The " binder," as 
it was called, was made from an old pewter spoon which had 
been filed and bent into the requisite shape. But it per- 
formed its work well, and was as successful as if made from 
some more pretentious material. 

During the year 1847, Mr. Bassett erected a steam saw- 
mill on the shore in the section known as the ship-yard. 
This was for the manufacture of wooden shoe-boxes ; but it 
had an effect little dreamed of, even by its sanguine projector. 
The necessity of a good road to the mill suggested the lay- 
ing out of streets, and the founding of a new settlement. 
The idea was speedily put in execution. A large tract of 
land in the vicinity was purchased, and Commercial Street, 
the two streets running parallel with it, and the cross streets 
intervening, were laid out. Two years later, the street lead- 
ing over the hill, known as " Prospect Street," was laid out. 



OF MAEBLEHEAD. 279 

The growth of the settlement in this section was hardly 
less rapid than that of those near the depot and on "Reed's 
Hill." As before, houses were erected and sold to working- 
men at reasonable prices, and in a short time there was a 
villao;e of comfortable homes where once had been vacant 
fields and pasture lands. 

It is unnecessary to write of the large buildings erected 
in the vicinity of the depot during these and the years that 
followed. We have already, perhaps, devoted too much 
space to the doings of one man. But it should be remem- 
bered that to him, more than to any other person, the citi- 
zens of Marblehead are indebted for the growth and indus- 
trial development of their community. During the great 
panic of 1857 he w^as the only manufacturer who did not 
close his factory. Hundreds of workingmen were thrown 
out of employment, and in their extremity all looked to 
him. He employed them all, nearly the entire laboring 
population, and by his persistent energy averted the suffer- 
ins and distress that otherwise must have been inevitable.^ 

It is a difficult task to write of men still living. Their 
mistakes, their weaknesses, and their faults are brought 
prominently to view even in praising their virtues ; and few 
men have lived who have not made enemies. So, perhaps, 
with this man. He has undoubtedly made mistakes, been 
guilty of indiscretions, and shown many grievous faults. 
But with these we have nothing to do. The record of his 
career while a resident of Marblehead bears evidence that 
he has not lived for himself alone, and it is ours only to rec- 
ognize in him the public-spirited citizen who did what he 
could for the good of the community. 

There were other manufacturers who were contemporaries 
with Mr. Bassett, during all these years. Of some of them 
we have already written, and space will permit mention of 
but two of the principal firms. These were the Messrs. 
William T. Haskell & Co., and Joseph Harris & Sons. 
1 He had 700 hands at work. 



280 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

The founders of both these firms began business as poor 
men. It is said of Mr. Haskell that he obtained the money 
■with which he established his business by a fortunate rise in 
the price of wood. He was a clerk in his father's grocery 
store, and one day a coaster with a load of wood arrived in 
the harbor, and the owner, after vainly endeavoring to sell 
his load, turned it over to young Haskell, telling him that 
all the money he could obtain for it over a certain amount 
should be his own. Shortly after, there was a scarcity of 
wood in the market, and the load was sold for a good price. 
With the capital thus obtained, the young man at once be- 
gan the manufacture of shoes. His first place of business 
was in a building on the corner of Front and State streets. 
He subsequently removed to a building on Washington 
Street, near the " Lee Mansion," and finally to a small 
building on Pleasant Street, which was enlarged from time 
to time as his business increased. In this building he con- 
ducted liis business during the remainder of the period of 
his residence in Marblehead.^ Mr. Haskell was eminently 
successful as a business man. By his energy and persever- 
ance he built up an industry which gave employment to 
hundreds of his fellow-citizens, and brought to him a rich 
reward, 

Mr. Joseph Harris, the founder of the firm of Joseph Har- 
ris & Sons, began business in the year 1841. His workshop 
was an upper chamber of his dwelling-house on Harris's 
Court, where for years he conducted his business. The sons 
of INIr. Harris, of whom he had a large family, entered 
heartily and with the utmost sympathy into all the plans he 
projected. With untiring industry they toiled, making all 
the shoes manufactured by their father, until, by rigid econ- 
omy and self-denial, they laid the foundation of a successful 
business. As the business increased, a large number of 
workmen were employed, and a factory was erected on 
Pleasant Street. This building was enlarged from time to 
1 He removed his business to Lynn in 1861. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 281 

time, until it became one of the largest shoe manufactories 
in the to\vn. 

The shoes manufactured in Marblehead during the pe- 
riod of which we write, were made almost entirely outside 
the factories. The uppers were cut under the supervision 
of a foreman in these buildings ; but this was about the 
only portion of the work performed there. The shoes 
were generally given out in sets of thirty-six and seventy- 
two pairs each, to be stitched and bound by the deft hands 
and nimble fingers of the young women. The homes in the 
old town were " hives of industry " in those days, and pre- 
sented a most cheerful appearance. Having first performed 
their regular daily duties as beseemed good housekeepers, 
the mother and her daughters were accustomed to sit down 
vnth their work-baskets and prepare the uppers which were 
to be made into shoes by the father and brothers. In some 
instances, too, the happy laugh and merry song of the 
maiden proved that the shoes she bound were for the hands 
of some one dearer than a brother. These were exceptional 
cases, however, for generally, when prepared, the uppers 
were carried to the factoiy, from whence they found their 
way in company with soles and thread and lasts into the 
small shops with which the town abounded. Once there, 
the various parts began to assume shape. The soles were 
wet and " skived " and " rounded on " ; — they had no pat- 
terns then ; — the " stiffenings " were wet and "skived" and 
pasted in ; the upper was lasted to the soles and sewed ; the 
shoe was dried and turned and beat out ; the edges were prop- 
erly blacked and " slicked ; " the bottoms were scraped 
and sand-papered and chalked ; the sole linings were pasted 
in ; the shoes were strung into pairs, and the set was fin- 
ished. This work was all performed by one man, but it 
took several days, perhaps a week, to do it. The shoes 
were then neatly packed in a basket and returned to the 
factory, when the work, if satisfactory, was paid for, and 
another lot was given. 



282 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

Has it ever occurred to the reader that the little shops, 
■with their groups of six or eight workmen, were educa- 
tional institutions ? Perhaps not ; but they were, neverthe- 
less, and their influence was hardly less apparent than that 
of the public schools. The shoemakers of Marblehead were 
generally men of very limited education ; yet they were men 
of sound judgment, and were well informed upon all the 
great political questions of the day. This was from their 
constant practice of having the newspapers read to them 
while at their work. Sometimes the editorials and speeches 
provoked a partisan discussion, when both sides of the ques- 
tion at issue were ably argued. Nor were the newspapers 
the only sources of information of which they availed them- 
selves. Books of history, biography, and travel found their 
way into the shops occasionally, and were read to willing 
auditors, perchance by some school-boy, delighted at the 
prominence which the opportunity gave him. 

With the introduction of the sewing-machine, the divis- 
ion of labor and the factory system began. This has had 
the effect to abolish nearly all outside labor. It was very 
gradual in its growth, beginning first with having a certain 
proportion of the uppers stitched or bound in the factory. 
Then, in 1859, came the McKey sewing-machine, intro- 
duced by Mr. Bassett for sewing uppers to the soles. 
Compo work began at about the same time ; but as only 
the first of these innovations had made ver^^ great progress 
in the town in the year of our Lord 1860, let us leave the 
new system to a later period for consideration. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 283 



CHAPTER XIV. 

The opening of the year 1861 found the people of the 
United States excited as they had never been before, over 
the questions of slavery and State sovereignty. The presi- 
dential contest of 1860, which was unequaled in the history 
of the country for the sectional prejudice manifested by the 
pro-slavery advocates of the South, and the anti-slavery 
men of the North, had resulted in the election of Abraham 
Lincoln, of Illinois, the candidate of the Republican party. 
From the well-known principles of his party, it was pre- 
sumed that the policy of Mr. Lincoln's administration would 
be to oppose the extension of slavery into the territories. 
The result of the election produced the most intense excite- 
ment throughout the slave-holding States. On the 20th of 
December the State of South Carolina passed an ordinance 
of secession from the Union ; and this action was followed 
in rapid succession by the States of Mississippi, Florida, 
Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas. On the 4th of 
February, 1861, a convention of delegates from the seceding 
States was held at Montgomery, Ala., and a provisional gov- 
ernment was formed under the style of the Confederate 
States of America. Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi, was 
afterward chosen President, and Alexander H. Stephens, of 
Georgia, Vice-president. 

Such was the condition of public affairs when, on the 
4th of March, President Lincoln was inaugurated. Seven 
States had already severed their connection with the Union, 
and others were evidently on the verge of adopting the 
ordinance of secession. 

For several months the seceding States had been making 



284 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

active and warlike preparations. Nearly all the United 
States forts and arsenals within the boundaries of these 
States had been seized and fortified, and a large proportion 
of the arms, ammunition, and military stores belonging to 
the General Government were in their possession. On the 
12th of April, General Beauregard, commanding the Con- 
federate forces at Charleston, S. C, opened fire on Fort 
Sumpter, a United States garrison commanded by Major 
Robert Anderson, in the harbor of that city. Major Ander- 
son and the small force under his command fought nobly in 
defense of their flag ; but at length, after sustaining a bom- 
bardment which continued two days without cessation, 
while their fort was on fire, and the magazines were begin- 
ning to explode about them, they were obliged to surrender 
and evacuate. 

The news of the fall of Fort Sumpter aroused the entire 
North to action. The great civil war which had so long 
been threatened could no longer be averted, and in every 
town and hamlet, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the peo- 
ple rose as one man to defend the integrity of the Union. 

On the 15th of April, President Lincoln issued his first 
proclamation calling for seventy-five thousand militia for a 
three months' service. The news was received in Marble- 
head late in the afternoon of that day, and the three militia 
companies were at once notified by their respective com- 
manders to be in readiness to take the early morning train 
for Boston. These companies were : The Marblehead Sut- 
ton Light Infantry, Company C, Eighth Regiment, com- 
manded by Capt. Knott V. Martin ; the Lafayette Guards, 
Company B, Eighth Regiment, commanded by Capt. Rich- 
ard Phillips; and the Glover Light Guards, Company H, 
Eighth Regiment, commanded by Capt. Francis Boardman. 

The morning of Tuesday, the 16th of April, broke cold 
and stormy. Notwithstanding the rain and sleet which 
rendered the cold weather uncomfortable in the extreme, 
the streets of Marblehead were filled with an excited throng 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 285 

of people. Wives and mothers and fathers and children 
were represented there in the dense ci'owd, all anxious to 
speak a farewell word to the soldiers on their departure. 
The first companies to leave town were those commanded 
by Captains Martin and Boardman, which marched to the 
depot and took the half-past seven o'clock train for Boston. 
Captain Phillips' company took the train which left Marble- 
head about an hour and a half later. 

As the trains slowly left the depot, the cheers of the 
assembled multitude were reechoed by the soldiers in the 
cars. " God bless you ! " " Good-by ! *' resounded on all 
sides ; and it was not until the last car had disappeared in 
the distance, that the great crowd began to disperse. 

Of the arrival of the Marblehead companies in Boston, in 
response to the President's call for troops, there is little need 
for us to write. The testimony of such eminent witnesses 
as Adjutant-general Schouler, and General E. W. Hinks, 
cannot be disputed, and we quote it verbatim. 

" There has been some controversy in military circles," 
wrote General Schouler, " as to which company can claim 
the honor of first reaching Boston. I can answer, that the 
first were the three companies of the Eighth Regiment be- 
longing to Marblehead, commanded by Captains Martin, 
Phillips, and Boardman. I had been at the State House all 
night ; and, early in the morning, rode to the arsenal at 
Cambridge, to ascertain whether the orders from headquar- 
ters, to send in arms, ammunition, overcoats, and equip- 
ments, had been properly attended to. Messengers had also 
been stationed at the different depots, with orders for the 
companies, on their arrival, to proceed at once to Faneuil 
Hall, as a northeasterly storm of sleet and rain had set in 
during the night, and had not abated in the morning. On 
my return from Cambridge, I stopped at the Eastern Rail- 
road depot. A large crowd of men and women, notwith- 
standing the storm, had gathered there, expecting the arrival 
of troops. Shortly after eight o'clock, the train arrived with 



286 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

the Marblehead companies. They were received with deaf- 
ening shouts from the excited throng. The companies im- 
mediately formed in line, and marched by the flank directly 
to Faneuil Hall, the fifes and drums playing " Yankee 
Doodle," the people following and shouting like madmen, 
and the rain and sleet falling piteously if to abate the 
ardor of the popular welcome. And thus it was the Marble- 
head men entered Faneuil Hall on the morning of the 16th 
of April." 1 

The testimony of General Hinks, who at the breaking out 
of the war was Lieutenant-colonel of the Eighth Regiment, 
is interesting as an important historical statement, and is as 
follows : — 

" On Monday, A^jril 15, 1861, at quarter-past two o'clock, 
in reply to an offer of my services made in the morning of 
that day, I received from Governor Andrew a verbal com- 
mand to summon the companies of the Eighth Regiment, by 
his authority, to rendezvous at Faneuil Hall at the earliest 
possible hour. Leaving Boston on the half-past two o'clock 
train, I proceeded to Lynn, and personally notified the com- 
manding officers of the two companies in that city, and from 
thence telegraphed to Captain Bartlett, at Newburyport, 
and Captain Centre, of Gloucester, and then drove to Bev- 
erly, and summoned the company there ; and from thence 
hastened to Marblehead, where I personally notified the 
commanding officers of the three Marblehead companies. I 
found Captain Martin in his slaughter-house, with the car- 
cass of a hog, just killed, and in readiness for the " scald." 
On communicating to the captain my orders, I advised him 
to immediately cause the bells of the town to be rung, and 
to get all the recruits he could. Taking his coat from a 
f)eg, he seemed for a moment to hesitate about leaving his 
business unfinished, and then turned to me, and with words 
of emphatic indifference in regard to it, put the garment on, 
with his arms yet stained with blood and his shirt-sleeves 

1 Massachusetls in the Civil War, p. 50. 



OF MAEBLEHEAD. 287 

but half rolled down, and with me left the premises to rally 
bis company. 

" On Tuesday, April 16, I was directed to remain on 
duty at Faneuil Hall, and during the forenoon the following 
named companies arrived there and reported for duty, to 
wit : — 

" 1. Companies C, Eighth Regiment, forty muskets, Capt. 
Knott V. Martin, and H, Eighth Regiment, Capt. Francis 
Boardman, both of Marblehead, which place they left at 
half-past seven o'clock A. M., and arrived in Boston at about 
nine o'clock. 

" 2. Company D, Fourth Regiment, thirty-two muskets, 
Sergt. H. F. Wales, of Randolph, left home about nine 
o'clock, and arrived at about ten A. M. 

" 3. Company B, Eighth Regiment, forty muskets, Capt. 
Richard Phillijjs, of Marblehead, left home at nine o'clock, 
and arrived in Faneuil Hall about eleven A. M " 

" The above is substantially a true record, as will appear 
by reference to the files of the ' Journal ' of that date, and 
is prompted only by a desire to do justice to Captain Mar- 
tin and the patriotic men of Marblehead, who, on the out- 
break of the Rebellion, were the first to leave home, the 
first to arrive in Boston, and subsequently, under my com- 
mand, the first to leave the yard of the Naval Academy 
at Annapolis, to repair and relay the track in the march 
through Maryland to relieve the beleaguered capitol of the 
Nation." 

On the morning after the departure of the companies, 
thirty more men left Marblehead to join them. The great- 
est enthusiasm prevailed throughout the town, and men 
everywhere were ready and anxious to enlist. Of the patri- 
otic spirit of the people, no better evidence can be given 
than that contained in the reply of Governor Andrew to a 
gentleman who asked" him if any more men would be needed. 
"For heaven's sake," replied the governor, "don't send any 
more men from Marblehead, for it is imposing on your good- 
ness to take so many as have already come ! " 



288 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

The citizens were not less pi'omj)t to act than those who 
had rallied for the defense of the nation. On the 20th of 
April, a town meeting was held to provide for the families 
of the soldiers, and the old towui hall was crowded to reple- 
tion. Mr. Adoniram C. Orne was chosen moderator. The 
venerable town clerk, Capt. Glover Broughton, a veteran of 
the War of 1812, was there beside the moderator, his hands 
tremulous with emotion, awaiting the action of his fellow- 
citizens. " It was voted that the town treasurer be author- 
ized to hire the sum of five thousand dollars, to be distrib- 
uted for the relief of the families of those who have gone 
or are going to fight the battles of their country." A com- 
mittee of five persons was chosen to repair to the assessors' 
room, and report the names of ten persons to act as distrib- 
utors of the fund. The town was divided into districts, and 
the following gentlemen were chosen as a distributing com- 
mittee, namely : Messi's. Thomas Main, John J. Lyon, Fred- 
erick Robinson, William Courtis, William Litchman, Ste- 
phen Hathaway, Jr., James J. H. Gregory, John C. Hamson, 
Jr., Richard Tutt, Joshua O. Bowden. 

No resolutions were adopted. The times called for action, 
and '-'' Factis non verbis^'' was the motto of the hour. But 
human nature must find some vent for enthusiasm, and we 
are informed in the records, by the faithful clerk, that " three 
cheers were then given." They probably shook the building, 
for genuine Marbleheaders are blessed with strong lungs, 
and can never cheer by rule. 

The patriotism of the ladies of Marblehead at this time, 
and throughout the entire period of the war, cannot be over- 
estimated. With loving hearts and willing hands, they 
contributed their time, their labor, and their money for the 
benefit of those who had" gone forth to battle. The work 
of some was of a public nature, and the deeds of these are 
recorded ; but the only record of hundreds who worked qui- 
etly in their own homes was written on the grateful hearts 
of the soldiers for whom they labored. 



OF MAEBLEHEAD. 289 

On the 22cl of April a meeting of the ladies was held at 
tlie town hall, and a Soldiers' Aid Society was organized. 
The object was to perform such work as was necessary for 
the comfort of the soldiers, and to furnish articles of clothino-, 
medicines, and delicacies for use in the hospitals. Mrs. 
Maria L. Williams was elected president. That lady sub- 
sequently resigned, and Mrs. Margaret Newhall became 
president, and Mrs. Mary M. Oliver, secretary. 

On the following day, eighteen ladies met at the Sewall 
Grammar School-house, on Spring Street, and organized 
a committee to solicit money for the benefit of the soldiers. 
The following are the names of the ladies who composed 
this committee : — 

Miss Mary E. Graves, President. 

Miss Mary A. Alley, Secretary. 

Miss Mary L. Pitman, Treasurer. 
Mrs. Mary Glover. Miss Hannah J. Woodfin. 

Mrs. Hannah Hidden. Miss Lizzie Cross. 

Miss Harriet Newhall. Miss Mary A. Cross. 

Miss Tabitha Trefry. Mrs. Hannah Doak. 

Mrs. Hannah J. Hathaway. Miss Alicia H. Gilley. 

Mrs. John F. Harris. Miss Carrie Paine. 

Miss Amy K. Prentiss. Miss Mary E. Homan. 

Miss Sarah E. Sparhawk. 

In less than one week from the time of their organization 
the ladies of this committee had collected the sum of $508.17. 
The teachers of the public schools generously contributed 
six per cent, of their salaries for the year in aid of the ob- 
ject ; and there was a disposition manifested by the people 
generally, to give something, however small the amount. 

Stirring reports were now received from the companies at 
the seat of war. The blockading of the railroad to Bal- 
timore by the Secessionists ; the seizure of the steamer 
Maryland ; and the saving of the old frigate Constitu- 
tion, in which their fathers fought so valiantly, caused the 
hearts of the people to swell with pride, as they related the 

19 



290 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

story one to another. The men of Captain Boardman's com- 
pany were the first to board " Old Ironsides," and a delega- 
tion of them helped to man her on the voyage to New York. 
The sufferings of their soldier boys, who were obliged to 
eat pilot bread baked in the year " 1848," brought tears to 
the eyes of many an anxious mother. But the tears were 
momentary only, and the sufferings of the boys were forgot- 
ten in the joy that Marblehead soldiers had been permitted 
to lead the advance on the memorable march to Annapolis 
Junction and to relay the track which had been torn up to 
prevent the passage of the troops. The arrival of the troops 
in Washington ; the new uniforms furnished in place of those 
worn out in eight days ; and the quartering of soldiers in 
the United States Capitol Building, was all related in the 
letters that came home. 

Some of these letters wei'e so full of patriotic sentiment 
that they should be preserved to testify of the spirit of the 
men of Marblehead who participated in the struggle for 
national life. We have space only for one of these, which 
is quoted in full because it is so characteristic of the heroic 
old veteran who wrote it. 

" House of Representatives, 
Washington City, Apr^ 27, 18G1, 

" Bear Sir : We arrived in Washington yesterday after 
a great deal of hardship and privation, living for thirty-six 
hours at a time on one small loaf to a man ; water a great 
part of the time very scarce, and not of a very good quality. 
But the men bore it almost without a murmur. The Eighth 
Regiment had the honor of taking the noble old frigate 
Constitution out of the dock at Annapolis, and placing her 
out of the reach of the Secessionists. The Eighth came 
from Annapolis to Washington, in company with the New 
York Seventh, — God bless them. They shared with us their 
last morsel ; and the two regiments together have laid rail- 
road tracks, built bridges, run steam-engines, and contracted 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 291 

an eternal friendship, which has been cemented by deeds of 
daring for each other. We have encamped in corn-fields, on 
railroad embankments, with one eye open while sleeping ; 
and have opened R. R. communication between Annapolis 
and Washington, for all troops which may hereafter want 
to pass that way. 

" Give my love to all friends of the Stars and Stripes, and 
my eternal hatred to its enemies. 

" Yours respectfully, 

"Knott V. Maetin. 
« To Wm. B. Brown, Esq." 

During the latter part of April, active measures were 
taken to recruit another company to join those already in 
the field. In a few days the " Mugford Guards," a full 
company of fifty-seven men, was organized, and Captain 
Benjamin Day was commissioned as commander. Every 
effort was made to get the new company in readiness for 
departure as soon as possible. The men were without uni- 
forms, and the school teachers at once voted to furnish the 
materials for making them, at their own expense. Mr. John 
Marr, the local tailor, offered his services as cutter, and 
they were gratefully accepted. On Sunday, May 5, the 
ladies of the Soldiers Aid Society, with a large number of 
others, assembled at Academy Hall, and industriously 
worked throughout the entire day and evening to make up 
the uniforms. 

On the following day, the town voted to appropriate the 
sum of $400 to furnish the company with comfortable and 
necessary clothing. 

On the 7tli of June another meeting was held, and the 
town voted to borrow a sum not exceeding ten thousand 
dollars, to be applied by the selectmen in aid of the fami- 
lies of volunteers. 

On Sunday, June 23, the Mugford Guards attended di- 
vine service at St. Michael's Church. After an address by 



292 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

the rector, the Rev. Edwin B. Chase, each man in the com- 
pany was made the recipient of a copy of the " Book of 
Common Prayer." 

On the morning of Monday, June 24, the new company 
took its departure for the " seat of war." The soldiers were 
escorted to the entrance of the town by the Mugford Fire 
Association and a large concourse of citizens. Almost the 
entire community assembled in the streets to say " fare- 
well," and to bid them " God speed." On arriving at the 
locality known as the " Work-house Rocks," the procession 
halted, and the soldiers were addressed by William B. 
Brown, Esq., in behalf of the citizens. 

"It may soon be," said Mr. Brown, in conclusion, "that 
yours will be the only entire company to represent the town 
of Marblehead, for our men who now represent her, though 
•willing and anxious to continue in the service, must give 
way, we are told, to the hosts which are everywhere uprising 
and claiming a partnership in the glorious work of redeem- 
ing the land. Be it so, if it must be ; they have already 
proved their lineage, and have shown the jewels of bravery 
and patriotism, as undimmed in our crown through years of 
peace and plenty as when set there by Mugford, Glover, 
Tucker, Gerry, and Orne. They have added new glory to 
the grand old flag for which they fought, while they gath- 
ered inspiration from its grace, its beauty, and its history. 
You are to follow them, and for a longer time ! God only 
knows how long ! And the hour is about to strike which 
shall summon you away. We offer you gladly, though in 
tears, on the altar of our country, — another wreath from 
among us, along with the myriads of garlands laid there in 
unalterable devotion to Liberty, Union, and Law. May no 
flower or leaf be withered in weakness or cowardice, no 
sirocco of passion or sensuality blast its beauty or blemish 
its perfume ; but may it be a ' joy forever,' that we may- 
hang it up in the chambers of our remembrance on your re- 
turn, as a memorial that every member of this company was 
constant to the cause, was manly and brave 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 293 

" But if the fortunes of war — always dark and uncertain 

— keep some of you back forever, we will take courage from 
your example, and stronger than ever stand by the Union 
which, from the day of its birth until now, has rained bless- 
ings on us all. The muster-roll of your gallant band is 
written on all our hearts. Not a man of you shall be for- 
gotten, nor shall the loved ones you leave behind be neg- 
lected. Every name shall be cherished in the fond hope of 
return and reunion ; and if any comes not back again, we 
will write them on the virgin leaves of the history we all 
love and honor, we will recount them to the future as proofs 
of your supreme devotion to Liberty, and as pledges that 
the sons of Marblehead shall be true to her forever." ^ 

Captain Day, in reply, expressed the most patriotic senti- 
ments in behalf of the company. 

The soldiers embarked for Boston in wagons which were 
in waiting, and departed amid the deafening cheers of the 
citizens. 

On Thursday, August 1, the three Marblehead companies 
arrived home. Arrangements had been made to give them 
an enthusiastic welcome. At three o'clock in the afternoon 
a procession was formed, consisting of the Marblehead Band, 
the "Home Guards," the boards of town officers, the entire 
fire department, and the scholars of the public schools. An in- 
teresting feature of the procession was thirteen young ladies, 
representing the original States, wearing white dresses, and 
red, white, and blue veils. The arrival of the train bring- 
ing the soldiers was announced by the ringing of bells, the 

1 It is hut just to state in this connection, that every promise made by Mr. 
William B. Brown to the soldiers has been — so far as he is himself concerned 

— sacredly fulfilled! For the past eighteen years be has assiduously devoted 
his time and attention, during the hours usually taken by men of business for 
rest and recreation, to the service of invalid veterans of the war, and the fami- 
lies of those who were killed in battle, or died ffom diseases contracted in the 
army or navy. Hundreds of men, women, and children have reason to bless 
his name for the pensions and State aid obtained through his disinterested 
efforts. He has received no remuneration for his services, save the love and 
veneration of the people of his native town. 



294 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

firing of guns, and the joyful acclamations of the people. 
They were received at the depot at about six o'clock p. m., 
and escorted to the " Town House," vrhere an address of 
welcome was delivered by Jonathan H. Orne, Esq., a mem- 
ber of the board of selectmen. 

On the afternoon of the following day, the veterans were 
given a grand reception. The procession was again formed, 
and they were escorted about town to Fort Sewall, where a 
dinner was served. 

Shortly after the return of the companies, Capt. Knott V. 
Martin resigned as commander of the Sutton Light Infantry, 
and recruited a company for the Twenty-third Regiment. 
More than half the members of this company were enlisted 
in Marblehead. They left for the seat of war during the 
month of November. 

On the 21st of December the town voted to appropriate 
the sum of three thousand dollars in aid of the families of 
volunteers. 

The news of the splendid triumph of General Burnside 
in his expedition against North Carolina, resulting in the 
capture of Roanoke Island on the 8th of January, 1862, sent 
a thrill of exultation through every loyal heart in the coun- 
try. But the joy of the people of Marblehead was turned 
to. grief by the news that three of their bravest citizens had 
fallen in the battle. These were Lieut. John Goodwin, Jr., 
Sergt. Gamaliel H. Morse, and Private John Shaw, of Com- 
pany B, Twenty-third Regiment. Messrs. Goodwin and 
Shaw were killed instantly ; but Mr. Morse was mortally 
wounded and died after several days of severe suffering. 

Just one month from the date of the battle of Roanoke 
Island, the famous battle took place between the United 
States frigates Cumberland and Congress, and the Confed- 
erate Ram Merrimac, in Hampton Roads, Virginia. After 
an engagement of fifteen minutes the Merrimac ran into the 
Cumberland, crushing in her side. The frigate immediately 
began to sink. Over one hundred of the seamen on board 



OF MAKBLEHEAD. 295 

the ill-fated vessel went down in her and found a watery- 
grave. One of the bravest of the heroes who lost their lives 
in this engagement was William B. Hubbard, of Marble- 
head. He was captain of one of the guns on board the 
Cumberland. When the ship was sinking, and death stared 
them in the face, the first thought of many was naturally 
that of self-preservation. Not so with Hubbard. His pow- 
der-boy had become frightened and could not be found. "I 
am determined to have one more shot at them ! " cried the 
gallant Hubbard, and immediately went below to procure 
ammunition. On his return, as he approached his gun to 
reload it, a shot from the enemy laid him on the deck. He 
went down with the ship, nobly dying at his post. 

Among the crew of the Cumberland were David Bruce 
and John Hazel, of Marblehead. Nathaniel Roundey and 
John Flemming were on board the Congress throughout 
the action. 

Late in the month of April, the citizens received the 
precious bodies of their earliest dead, the first slain in 
battle. Then, for the first time, they realized the magni- 
tude of the sacrifice to be made. Only the life-blood of 
their best and bravest could preserve the institutions for 
which their fathers fought. The funeral services over the 
bodies of Messrs. Goodwin and Morse took place on Thurs- 
day, April 24, at the Unitarian Church.^ The services con- 
sisted of singing by the choir, prayer by the_ Rev. George 
W. Patch, and an address by the Rev. Samuel R. Calthrop, 
pastor of the church. The remains were accompanied to 
their last resting-place in the New Burying Ground, by the 
three companies of the Eighth Regiment belonging in Mar- 
blehead, and a large concourse of people. 

It is seldom that heroes are so honored as were these 
dead soldiers. His excellency, John A. Andrew, the war 
Governor of Massachusetts, was there in the procession, ac- 
companied by Adjutant-general Schouler, and the members 
1 The body of Mr. Shaw was not brought home. 



296 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

of his staff. ]\Iajor-general Sutton, and the field and staff 
officers of the Eighth Regiment were also in attendance. 

On the 2d of July President Lincoln issued a call for 
three hundred thousand more volunteers to serve for three 
years, or during the war. In accordance with this call the 
most earnest efforts were made to procure recruits from 
Marblehead. On the 19th of July the town voted to offer 
a bounty of $100 to every man who would volunteer on the 
quota of the town ; and Captains Richard Phillips, Samuel 
C. Graves, Francis Boardman, Messrs. Samuel Roads and 
John Goodwin, were chosen a committee to assist the select- 
men in recruiting. 

On the 31st of July the town treasurer was authorized to 
hire the sum of $14,400, to be used as bounties for volun- 
teers in sums of $100 each. A committee was chosen to 
wait upon the governor and request him to appoint an ad- 
ditional recruiting agent. On the 1st of August Governor 
Andrew issued the following permission to recruit : — 

" In consequence of the request of the town of Marble- 
head, made by a legal town meeting held yesterday, — a 
copy of the record of which is handed me, attested by the 
town clerk, — I appoint at the nomination of the other gen- 
tlemen who came to represent the town, Samuel Roads, 
Esq., additional recruiting agent for Marblehead. He will 
cooperate with the town's committee, and use his influence 
to forward the enlistment ; and I ask the good people of 
Marblehead to support and help him with all their hearts 
and hands." 

]\Ir. Roads at once established his headquarters at an 
office on Washington Street, opposite the head of Hooper 
Street, and the enlistment progressed rapidly. In a short 
time, sixty-nine men had enrolled themselves for a service 
of three years, or during the war. Of these, thirty-two 
were assigned to the Tenth Battery, then recruiting at 
Lynnfield ; ten to the Thirty-second Regiment ; eight to 
the Seventeenth Regiment ; seven to the Twenty-third Reg- 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 297 

iment; and the others were distributed among the First 
Massachusetts Cavalry, and the Twentieth, Twenty-fourth, 
Fortieth, and Forty-first Regiments. 

On Tuesday, August 26, the town voted to pay a 
bounty of one hundred dollars, " for each volunteer enlist- 
ing in the service of the United States for a period of nine 
months, until the quota of the town shall be full." It was 
also voted to " request all shoe manufacturers, all store- 
keepers, and all others to close their places of business each 
day during the remainder of the week, from two o'clock 
P. M. to six o'clock P. M. ; and that all citizens be entreated 
to abstain from customary labor during these hours, and 
assist the authorized agent in procuring recruits." It was 
ordered that the bells be rung each day from two o'clock to 
three o'clock P. M. The Marblehead Band was invited to 
be present at the town hall, and give their services during 
the hour in which the bells were to be rung. 

On the 27th of September another meeting was held, at 
which it was voted to pay the sum of one hundred dollars 
as a bounty to every volunteer enlisting over and above the 
quota of the town, for a service of nine months. This action 
was intended for the benefit of the two Marblehead compa- 
nies, the Sutton Light Infantry, and the Lafayette Guards. 
A vote was also passed restricting each company to the num- 
ber of eighty -four men. The company known as the Glover 
Light Guards was disbanded shortly after its return from 
the three months' campaign, in consequence of the enlistment 
of a large proportion of its members in the various three 
years' regiments. 

On the 25th of November, the Sutton Light Infantry, 
under command of Capt. Samuel C. Graves, and the Lafay- 
ette Guards, under command of Capt. Richard Phillips, left 
the State with the other companies of the Eighth Regiment, 
for Newbern, N. C. 

The town had made generous provision for the famihes of 
soldiers from time to time, since the beginning of the war. 



298 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

As the proportion of citizens who were absent in the army 
and navy increased, additional appropriations were foimd 
necessary, and in March, 1863, the treasurer was authorized 
to hire the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars for this pur- 
pose. 

In the spring of 1863, Congress authorized a draft to ob- 
tain reenforcenients for the army. A provost-marshal was 
apjjointed for each State, with an assistant in every con- 
gressional district. Mr. Daniel H. Johnson was appointed 
marshal of the Essex District, with headquarters at Salem. 
A board was also established to make an enrollment of all 
the men in the State between the ages of twenty and forty- 
five years. In May, Messrs, John C. Hamson and Thomas 
Swasey were appointed enrollment oSicers for Marblehead, 
with instructions to return the names of all persons enrolled 
to the assistant provost-marshal, on or before the first day 
of July. The town was divided into two districts for the 
purpose of enrollment, one being on the north side of Wash- 
ington Street, and the other on the south side. After a 
thorough canvass of the town, the enrollment ofiicers re- 
ported the names of over twelve hundred citizens of Marble- 
head between the ages of twenty and forty-five years, and 
therefore subject to conscription. 

The draft took place at Lyceum Hall, in Salem, on the 
afternoon of July 10, in the presence of a large and deeply 
interested audience. The names of one hundred and eighty 
citizens of INIarblehead were drawn from the box. Of these, 
a large proportion were exempted by the examining sur- 
geons on account of physical disability, or other causes. 
Many procured substitutes, and others paid the commuta- 
tion fee of three hundred dollars. A very few — not more 
than twenty, it is said — of the number originally drafted, 
were mustered into the United States service. 

The draft was one of the most unpopular acts of Presi- 
dent Lincoln's administration. In New York the attempt 
to enforce the order caused a serious riot; and only the 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 299 

prompt and decisive action of the governor and the adjutant- 
general prevented a similar outbreak in the city of Boston. 

When the war broke out old Fort Sewall was in ruins. 
The exposed condition of the harbor, and the fact that Con- 
federate gun-boats were cruising about the coast, caused the 
citizens to turn their attention to the fortification of the 
town. At a town meeting held on the 15th of August, it 
was voted to appropriate the sum of f 4,000 to be paid to 
laborers employed upon the repairs of Fort Sewall. This 
sum was sufficient to paj eacli of the laborers fifty cents- a 
day, which, with one dollar and twenty-five cents paid by 
the government, gave them a fair remuneration for their 
labor. In a short time. Fort Sewall was thoroughly re- 
paired and considerably enlarged. The government also 
erected two other fortifications, one at the head of the 
harbor overlooking River Head Beach and the Neck, known 
as " Fort Glover, " and another on Naugus Head, overlook- 
ing Salem Harbor, known as " Fort Miller." All three 
forts were garrisoned by companies from other parts of the 
State until the end of the war. 

On the Fourth of July, 1864, Congress passed an act 
authorizing the enlistment of recruits for the Union army 
in the insurgent States. The Governor of Massachusetts 
at once adopted measures to procure a portion of these re- 
cruits for the benefit of the State ; and on the 23d of July, 
the town of Marblehead voted to deposit the sum of $5,000 
with the treasurer of the Commonwealth for the purpose 
of obtaining a portion of these recruits to serve on the 
quota of the town. The town also voted to pay a bounty 
of $125 to every recruit enlisting on its quota. 

On the 24th of July, the Eighth Regiment, which had 
returned from the nine months' campaign several months 
before, again left the State for a service of one hundred days. 
The regiment at this time was under the command of Col- 
onel Benjamin F. Peach, Jr., a Marblehead boy who had 
risen from the ranks. The " Sutton Light Infantry " took 



300 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

its departure witli tlie regiment. The " Lafayette Guards " 
subsequently left town as an unattached company, having 
been too late in recruiting to take its accustomed place in 
the regiment. 

During the month of August the ladies of the Unitarian 
Society held a fair for the benefit of the soldiers. The citi- 
zens responded nobly, — as they had done to every patriotic 
appeal, — and the sum of f 1,500 was netted. Of this sura 
$400 was given to the Sanitary Commission, and the balance 
was distributed among sick and wounded soldiers and the 
needy families of those in the army. 

The desire to do something to alleviate the sufferings of 
those in the army was almost universal. Nearly every or- 
ganization in town sent boxes of luxuries and medicines to 
the soldiers in camp. Early in the year the members of 
the Gerry Fire Association presented the sum of eighty-two 
dollars to the Soldiers' Aid Society, the proceeds of a dan- 
cing party held under their auspices. The members of 
Washington Lodge of Good Templars presented the sum of 
thirty-five dollars, the proceeds of a social party held at 
their hall. These donations were applied to the purchase 
of materials which were made up into quilts, comforters, and 
dressing-gowns for soldiers in the hospitals. 

In November of this year the ladies of Marblehead sup- 
plied a table at a fair held in Boston for the benefit of 
sailors, and by their efforts alone the sum of $1,300 was 
netted. 

Shortly after the return of the Eighth Regiment from 
the one hundred days' campaign, Capt. Samuel C. Graves 
resigned as commander of the Sutton Light Infantry, and 
organized an unattached company. This company left 
town in February, 1865, and was stationed for some time at 
Fort Warren in Boston Harbor. It was then ordered to 
Plymouth, Mass., where it remained several months after 
the close of the war. 

We have written only of the companies actually organ- 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 301 

ized or enlisted in Marbleliead. But it is impossible to do 
otherwise. The history of the part taken by the men of 
Marblehead in the great civil war can never be fully writ- 
ten. They were in nearly every regiment that went from 
Massachusetts. In every battle of importance, from Bull 
Run to Appomattox Court House, they proved themselves 
worthy of their ancestors and of Marblehead. 

Where- all are brave, instances of individual heroism 
are seldom noticed. But the bravery of William Goss, 
" Hacker," as his companions called him, a private soldier 
from Marblehead, deserves special mention here. He was 
a member of the First Massachusetts Cavalry. At the 
battle of James's Island, S. C, in the summer of 1862, 
he was appointed an orderly to the Brigade Commander. 
During the impetuous charge upon Fort Johnston he had 
three horses shot from under him ; but his courage was 
undaunted. After the battle, he was publicly thanked for 
his valorous conduct, and was honorably mentioned in the 
general orders of the Commander-in-chief. 

There were other sons of Marblehead equally as brave ; 
but their experience was not unlike that of thousand's who 
suffered and died for the nation. With patient endurance, 
and the fortitude of martyrs, they drank to the dregs the 
bitter cup of war. Through the long and fatiguing marches, 
in the many hard-fought battles, and in the hopeless agony 
of life in the death-fostering prison-pens, they were manly 
and true. It is unnecessary to say more. By the self-sac- 
rificing devotion of heroes like these, the nation was saved. 

Throughout the entire period of the war, the news of 
every Union victory was announced to the people by the 
merry peal of the church bells of the town. On Saturday, 
April 8, 1865, news was received of the surrender of Gen- 
eral Lee, at Richmond, Va., and the bells rang out the joy- 
ful tidings. The event, however, did not take place until 
the following day. On Monday, April 10, the citizens 
formed in procession, and, headed by a band of music, 



302 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

marched through the principal streets to Lj^ceum Hall, 
where addresses of congratulation were delivered by Dr. 
Briggs, of Salem, and other speakers. In the evening many 
of the houses were illunlinated, and beacon fires were lighted 
on the hills in honor of the great event. 

The assassination of President Lincoln, on the night of 
April 14, gave a tragic ending to one of the greatest civil 
wars recorded in history. In Marblehead, as elsewhere 
throughout the country, every mark of respect was paid to 
the memory of the martyred President. On the day of the 
funeral many of the shoe manufactories, private residences^ 
and other buildings, were appropriately draped in mourn- 
ing ; the church bells were tolled, and public services were 
held at the Baptist Church, where an address was delivered 
by the Rev. George W. Patch. 

Though actual hostilities ceased in April, the soldiers who 
had enlisted for a service of three years were not discharged 
until June, when the war was considered as finally ended. 
On the 20th of that month, the people of Marblehead gave 
a reception to the members of the Tenth Massachusetts Bat- 
terj, a large proportion of whom were citizens of the town. 
This battery had been engaged in all the most important 
battles of the army of the Potomac, and had become dis- 
tinguished for efficiency and bravery. 

On the 4th of December a reception was given to Gen- 
eral Kilpatrick, who delivered an address on the steps of the 
town hall. 

During the war, Marblehead furnished for the army and 
navy one thousand and forty-eight men, which was a surplus 
of ninety-one over and above all demands. Eight hundred 
and twenty-seven were in the military service, and two hun- 
dred and twenty-one were in the navy. Of these, one hun- 
dred and ten were killed in battle, or died from wounds and 
sickness, and eighty-seven were wounded, many of whom 
returned home only to die after months, and, in some in 
stances, years of suffering. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 303 

The whole amount of money raised for war purposes by 
the town, exclusive of State aid, Avas 1139,725. 

The sum of $107,800.65 was raised by the town and paid 
to families of volunteers, as State aid, during the four years 
of the war. This sum was afterwards refunded by the Com- 
monwealth. 

Note. — One of the oiScers who are deserving of especial mention for the 
faithful performance of duty during the civil vv^ar, is Mr. James C. Graves, of 
Marblehead. He enlisted on board the United States ship Ino, August 23, 
1861, as a first-class boy. Soon after, he was appointed paymaster's clerk on 
board the Ino, and subsequently held the same position on board the receiving 
ship Ohio, and the United States steamer Albatross. While attached to this 
steamer he was detailed to proceed to New Orleans for provisions. Returning- 
on board the United States sloop-of-war Richmond, it was found that Admi- 
ral Farragut was blockaded by the enemy above Port Hudson. To establish 
communication with the fleet volunteers were called for, and Mr. Graves with 
several others responded and crossed a dangerous point then in possession 
of the enemy. The expedition was successfully conducted, though with great 
danger, the men being obliged to walk about two miles in water waist deep. 
For his participation in this expedition he was appointed to the position of 
assistant paymaster, and ordered to the United States steamer Rodolph. 
While attempting to engage a fort off Blakely River, near Mobile, Ala., a few 
days before the surrender of that city, April 1, 1865, the Rodolph was de- 
stroyed by a torpedo. Mr. Graves succeeded in saving all his books, papers, 
and money, and for this service received the thanks of the War Department. 
He was honorably discharged. May 2, 1867, after having served six consecu- 
tive years in the United States navy. 



504 THE HISTORY AXD TRADITIONS 



CHAPTER XV. 

Though the citizens of Marblehead did not take so 
prominent a part in the naval service of the country, during 
the civil war, as in the wars against Great Britain, the rec- 
ord of those who enlisted is, as a whole, creditable to the 
town. 

In the summer of 1861, Capt. Michael B. Gregory en- 
listed, and was assigned to duty at the Charlestown Navy- 
yard. After a service of several months, during which he 
was distinguished for his promptness and ability in fitting 
out government vessels, he was appointed to the command 
of the United States ship R. B. Forbes. This ship imme- 
diately sailed on a brief cruise along the Atlantic coast, after 
which Captain Gregory left the service and came home. 

In September, Capt. Josiah P. Cressy, in command of the 
United States ship Ino, sailed on a cruise in the North At- 
lantic. The commander and eighty men of the crew were 
from Marblehead. In January, 1862, the Ino returned, and 
on the 19th of February sailed on a cruise to Cadiz. The 
passage was accomplished in a few hours over twelve days, 
being at that time the quickest ever known for a sailing ves- 
sel. From Cadiz, Captain Cressy sailed up the straits of 
Gibraltar, and there formed a blockade for the Confederate 
steamer Sumpter. He subsequently sailed to the island of 
Tangiers, Morocco, and captured two Confederate officers, 
who were made prisoners of war. They were sent to Fort 
Warren, Boston Harbor, in the bark Harvest Moon. Cap- 
tain Cressy returned in June, 1862, and resigned his com- 
mission. 

Early in the autumn of 1861, Capt. Samuel B. Gregory, 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 305 

and his brother Capt. WiUiam D. Gregory, enlisted in the 
navy, and were assigned to duty on board the gunboat E. 
B. Hale, then lying in New York Harbor. While getting 
ready for sea, and daily expecting sailing orders, they were 
summarily dismissed from the service. An investigation 
proved that a few of their personal enemies in Marblehead 
had preferred charges of disloyalty against them to the sec- 
retary of the navy. Upon ascertaining the origin of these 
charges, the brothers at once returned to Marblehead. 

Shortly after their arrival in town, a large and enthusi- 
astic meeting of the citizens, irrespective of party, was held 
at Lyceum Hall, and resolutions were adopted severely con- 
demning the action of those who had preferred the charges, 
and expressing the confidence of the people in the integrity 
and loyalty of the injured officers. Armed with the record 
of this meeting, and with a petition signed by nearly every 
legal voter in Marblehead, the brothers proceeded to Wash- 
ington, and were at once reinstated in the service. Their 
commissions were dated October 3, 1861, Capt. Samuel B. 
Gregory being assigned to the command of the United 
States steamer Western World, and Capt. William D. 
Gregory to the United States ship Bohio. 

Both vessels had several Marblehead sailors on board. 
They sailed from New York Harbor on the 1st of January, 
1862. 

On the 7th of February, while cruising on the coast of 
Louisiana, Capt. William D. Gregory discovered a schooner 
sailing under a British flag. He immediately gave chase, 
and on overtaking the stranger found her to be the Confed- 
erate schooner Eugenie Smith, bound from Havana to Met- 
amoras, with a valuable cargo of coffee, soap, dry goods, and 
other articles. She was put in charge of a prize-master, and 
sent to the United States District Court, at Key West, Fla. 
The officers and crew were placed on board the United 
States steamer Rhode Island, as prisoners of war. 

Immediately after forwarding his prize to the proper au- 

20 



306 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

thorities, Captain Gregory sailed for the Southwest Pass, at 
the mouth of the Mississippi River, where he arrived hite 
iu the afternoon of Friday, March 7- On his arrival he was 
informed that the captain of a United States ship which 
arrived the day before, had fallen in with, and boarded a 
suspicious looking schooner sailing under an English flag 
and register; but after an examination of her papers had 
allowed her to proceed on her voyage. 

Ascertaining the latitude and longitude in which the 
strange schooner had been seen, Captain Gregory obtained 
permission to cruise for her, and at eleven o'clock P. M. the 
Bohio was under way. At five o'clock the next morning 
a sail was discovered on the lee bow. All drawing sails 
were at once set on board the Bohio, and the captain gave 
directions to " keep off " for the stranger. Noticing that he 
was pursued, the commander of the strange vessel set all 
sails and an exciting chase ensued. The stranger proved to 
be a fast sailer, and it was with difficulty that the Bohio 
kept up with her. At eight o'clock A. M., a shot was fired 
from the Bohio with no effect. At noon, finding that the 
stranger was steadily out-sailing him, Captain Gregory re- 
solved to capture her if possible, by stratagem. Several 
barrels were placed upon the deck, and upon these about 
twelve feet of stove-pipe were fastened for a smoke stack. 
The precaution having been taken to place sand in the bot- 
tom of the lower barrel, a fire was started with bits of rope, 
old junk, tar, and other materials, and in a short time the 
smoke began to poiir out of the funnel in fine style. The 
men were constantly employed in wetting the sails, and as 
the wind filled them, and the speed of the ship increased, 
the stratagem had the desired effect. The schooner " hove 
to " at about two o'clock P. M., and surrendered. She 
proved to be the Confederate schooner Henry Travers of 
New Orleans, sailing under a British register. 

The captain of the schooner stated that when he per- 
ceived the Bohio getting up steam, as he supposed, and saw 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 307 

how fast she was gaining on him, he coi>sidered it useless to 
try to out sail a steamship. He therefore held a consulta- 
tion with his officers, and was advised by his mate to sur- 
render, " as the Yankees would certainly blow the schooner 
out of the water, after chasing her so far." 

Captain Gregory cruised for several months in Mississippi 
Sound, capturing prizes, and effectively putting an end to 
blockade running in that vicinity. He continued in com- 
mand of the Bohio until mid-summer, 1862, when he re- 
signed and retired from the service. 

The Marblehead sailors on board the Bohio were distin- 
guished at all times for their daring and bravery. During 
the summer of 1863, the United States sloop-of-war Preble, 
lying in Pensacola Bay, was discovered to be on fire. The 
officers and crew were panic-stricken, and in their efforts 
to save the ship, seemed unconscious of their own jaeril. 
The fire was rapidly eating towards the powder magazine, 
which had been filled the day before, when a boat-load 
of men from the Bohio boarded the burning ship. With 
almost superhuman exertions they succeeded in extricating 
the crew from their perilous situation. In many instances 
they were obliged to push the men overboard to be picked 
up by the boats. Just as the last man was removed, the 
magazine exploded. The heroism displayed by the men of 
the Bohio was long the subject of conversation, and they 
were rewarded by the approbation of their officers, and the 
gratitude of the men whose lives they had preserved. ^ 

During all this time, the armed steamer Western World, 
under command of Capt. Samuel B. Gregory, was doing 
effective service on the Southern coast. After leaving New 
York Harbor, in Januarj^ 1862, Captain Gregory was or- 

^ The Marblehead sailors engaged in this act of heroism were William P. 
Dinsniove, John H. Giles, Mason H. Sweet, Asa W. S. Rix, Daniel Dennis, 
and John Glynn. Mr. Dinsmore, who held the office of master's mate on 
board the Bohio, was returning home on board the transport North America, 
when she foundered at sea, December 22, 1864. He escaped, but lost all his 
clothing, and the entire amount of money received for his three years' service. 



308 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

dered to proceed ajb once to Port Royal, S. C, where he 
arrived after a passage of six days. Three days after his 
arrival, the Western World, with four other gunboats, was 
ordered up St. Augustine River. On their arrival, they fell 
in with a Confederate fleet under Commodore Tatnall, and a 
spirited engagement took place. Little damage was done on 
either side ; but the Union sailors succeeded in disconnect- 
ing the telegraph wires between the city of Savannah and 
Fort PuUiski, which was situated on a point at the mouth of 
Savannah River. 

During the month of February, while arrangements were 
being made for the capture of Fort Pulaski, the Western 
W^orld and the gunboat E. B. Hale were ordered to pro- 
ceed up Mud River. On the 15th of the same month, they 
again fell in with the Confederate fleet under Commodore 
Tatnall. After a battle of an hour and a half in duration 
several of the rebel gunboats were crippled and the fleet 
was obliged to retreat. 

Captain Gregory remained with his steamer in ]\Iud 
River until the 10th of April, when the attack upon Foi-t 
Pulaski took place. After the battle he sailed down the 
river and his ofiicers had the honor of raising the stars and 
stripes on the fort, the first time that honored emblem had 
■waved there since the beginning of the war. 

On returning to Port Royal, the Western World and 
three other gunboats were placed under command of Com- 
mander Prentiss, and ordered to Wingaw Bay. While 
there, they sailed on an expedition up the South Santee 
River, for the purpose of destroying the raih'oad bridge 
connecting Savannah with Richmond, Va. The river was 
very shoal, however, and they were obliged to abandon the 
enterprise. On their return, the enemy opened fire upon 
them from a battery which had been placed on Blake's Plan- 
tation, by the side of the river. The gunboats returned 
the fire, and a lively fight ensued. The enemy were at 
length driven off, but not until a large number of them had 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 309 

been killed, and several men on board the gunboats had 
been wounded. The owner of the plantation was an Eng- 
lishman by birth, and quite wealthy, owning about fourteen 
hundred slaves. During the skirmish, the slaves flocked to 
the banks of the river for protection, and about twelve hun- 
dred of them were taken on board the gunboats as " contra- 
bands of war." .On landing, the sailors set fire to the rice 
houses, which the enemy had used as a shelter during the 
attack. They also burned about seven hundred stacks of 
rice, containing about eight hundred bushels in each stack. 

In September the Western World was' ordered to Doboy 
Sound, Georgia, where there was about fifteen miles of coast 
to guard. A company of colored men was formed for picket 
duty, and stationed on an island in the Sound. During the 
month, this company was attacked by a company of Con- 
federates, but with the aid of the marines, and a company 
of sailors from the Western World, the enemy were repulsed 
and driven from the island. In the engagement the captain 
of the colored company was killed. 

While the Western World was on duty at Doboy Sound, 
the crew rose against the captain, and organized one of the 
most serious mutinies that took place during the entire 
period of the war. One evening late in the month of Oc- 
tober, as Captain Gregory appeared on the spar deck of his 
steamer, he found nearly the entire crew of one hundred 
men assembled, and ready to receive him. He was informed 
that they refused to serve under him any longer, and de- 
sired the executive officer, Mr. Pettengill, for their com- 
mander. With rare presence of mind. Captain Gregory 
reminded them that he was in command of the steamer, and 
ordered them to return to their duty. Finding that they 
refused to obey him, he called the Marblehead sailors and a 
few others who had not joined the mutiny to his assistance, 
and stationed them as a guard in various parts of the 
steamer. He then read the law concerning mutiny, and 
after explaining its provisions, and the consequences attend- 



310 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

ing its violation, requested all who were ready to return to 
their duty, to step " abaft the mainmast." To his surprise 
eveiy man did as he requested. Nearly all the officers sym- 
pathized with the mutiny. When executive officer Petten- 
gill was ordered to arm himself and assist the commander, 
he refused to obey. On being ordered a second time, he 
obeyed, but with great reluctance. 

Ascertaining that Pettengill was the chief instigator of 
the mutiny, Captain Gregory placed him under arrest, and 
reported the case to Admiral Dupont. The Western World 
was at once ordered to Boston, where, in accordance with 
instructions from Admiral Dupont, charges were preferred 
against Pettengill, and forwarded to Washington. Petten- 
gill was tried by a court-martial at the Charlestown Navy 
Yard, and convicted on all the charges. He was sentenced 
to suffer imprisonment for six months at hard labor, and at 
the expiration of his term of imprisonment to be dismissed 
from the service. 

In March, 1863, the Western World was ordered to New- 
port News, Va., to join the squadron under command of 
Rear-admiral Lee. The steamer was then ordered to Guinn's 
Island, in the Piankatank River, for the purpose of inter- 
cepting blockade runners who were supplying the city of 
Richmond with flour and other articles. So effectively was 
this service performed, that nearly every blockade runner 
was captured, and the price of flour advanced in the city 
of Richmond from |60 to $140 per barrel. The suffering 
and inconvenience caused by the scarcity of breadstuffs at 
length became so great that Jefferson Davis, President of 
the Confederate States, offered a reward for the capture 
of Samuel B. Gregory, commander of the United States 
steamer Western World. Influenced by this offer, and per- 
haps a desire to be revenged, a band of twelve men secreted 
themselves in ambush, and mistaking the commander of 
another United States gunboat for Captain Gregory, shot 
and killed him, as he was passing up the river in his gig. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 311 

The successful manner in which Captain Gregory con- 
trolled the mutiny on board the Western World, gave great 
satisfaction to his superior officers. When, therefore, the 
crew of the United States steamer Perry became mutinous, 
in the autumn of 1863, the secretary of the navy trans- 
ferred him to the command of her. On taking command, 
Captain Gregory adopted a firm bu.t conciliatory policy 
towards' the crew, and in a short time they were working 
together in harmony. While cruising in this steamer about 
Murrell's Island, South Carolina, Captain Gregory discovered 
a schooner loading for the purpose of running the blockade. 
A boat's crew were at once dispatched to fire her, but their 
retreat was cut off by a company of Confederate Cavalry, 
and they were all taken prisoners. 

Captain Gregory subsequently commanded the United 
States steamer Pautumskey ; the iron double-propeller Don ; 
and the steamer Currituck. In the last steamer he was 
stationed on the Potomac River until the close of the war. 

The record of the services of this distinguished com- 
mander must close the history of Marblehead in the civil 
war. Like their brethren who served as privates in the 
army, the citizens of Marblehead who, as common sailors 
or inferior officers, helped to man the gunboats of the navy, 
were celebrated for their ability and the faithful perform- 
ance of duty. We cannot follow them all. Suffice it to 
say, in the words of one who had many of them under his 
command : " They were smart and brave, and as true as 
steel." 



312 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 



CHAPTER XVI. 

During the war, and the years immediately following its 
close, the shoe business of Marblehead was in a more pros- 
perous condition than it had ever been before. With the 
introduction of the McKay sewing machine, a division of 
labor became necessary, and the entire system of manufac- 
turing shoes was revolutionized. All work was now per- 
formed in the factories, and instead of the old system under 
which boys were taught a thorough knowledge of shoemak- 
ing as a trade, they were taught simply to be proficient in 
some particular branch of the work. 

By the improved method of manufacturing, thousands of 
cases of boots and shoes were made in a much shorter time 
than it had formerly taken to produce as many hundreds. 

The divisions of labor increased also, with each new in- 
vention, until a single shoe in the process of construction 
passed through the hands of thii-ty-six different persons. 

As the business increased, and became remunerative, the 
effect was apparent in the improved condition of the town. 
Large buildings were erected in the vicinity of the depot for 
manufacturing purposes,, while handsome residences in va- 
rious parts of the town gave evidence of the prosperity of 
the people. 

Efforts had been made from time to time to establish 
more direct railroad communication between Marblehead 
and Boston. In 1847, William Fabens, Eben B. Pliillips, 
Increase H. Brown, and their associates, were granted an 
act of incorporation as the " Marblehead and Lynn Branch 
Railroad Company." The route of the proposed road was 
from a point on South Street, in Marblehead, southwesterly 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 313 

through the farms near the sea-shore, and westerly through 
the village of Swampscott, connecting with the Eastern 
Railroad at Lynn. The entire amount of the capital stock 
was not subscribed, however, and the project was aban- 
doned. 

The increasing prosperity of the town after the close of 
the war seemed to warrant another attempt, and in 1865, 
INIessrs. John F. Harris, Jonathan H. Orne, and others, 
obtained a charter for the organization of a company. The 
project was received with favor by a majority of the citizens, 
and in September, 1866, the town voted to petition the leg- 
islature for the privilege of subscribing to the capital stock 
of the company. The permission was obtained ; but with 
the provision that the credit of the town should not be 
granted in aid of the railroad except by a two thirds vote of 
a legal town meeting. 

During the same year, the citizens of Swampscott peti- 
tioned the county commissioners to lay out an avenue from 
Swampscott to Marblehead, terminating at the Neck line. 
This measure was not popular in Marblehead, and as the 
advocates of the avenue were generally opj3onents of the 
railroad scheme, the result was a long and exciting contro- 
versy. Numerous town meetings were held to consider both 
subjects, and a committee was finalh' chosen to appear be- 
fore the county commissioners and protest against the build- 
ing of the avenue. In 1870, the commissioners ordered the 
town to build its portion of the road, and the sum of twelve 
thousand dollars was accordingly appropriated for the pur- 
pose. 

The road was completed and opened for travel during the 
following year. 

The conditions imposed by the legislature rendered it ex- 
ceedingly difficult for the town to appropriate money in aid 
of the railroad. After several unsuccessful town meetings 
had been held, the requisite two thirds vote was obtained, 
and the sum of fifty thousand dollars was appropriated for 



314 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

the purchase of five hundred shares of the capital stock. 
This action of the town was reconsidered at a subsequent 
meeting, and the motion was lost. Finally, in August, 1871, 
the town voted to issue its bonds to the amount of seventy- 
five thousand dollars, in aid of the construction and equip- 
ment of the railroad, receiving as collateral security the first 
mortgage bonds of the company. This vote was never car- 
ried into effect, however, as the Eastern Railroad Company 
undertook the construction of the road under the charter 
granted to the original petitioners. 

During all these years of controversy the citizens had not 
been unmindful of other duties, nor had the period been 
wanting in important local events. New streets were laid 
out in various parts of the town, and great improvements 
were made by removing buildings and widening several of 
the older highways.^ 

During the year 1866 another hand-engine, known as the 
" M. A. Pickett," was added to the fire department. On 
the 27th of June, of the same year, a serious fire broke out 
on Prospect Street, destroying a brick rope-factory and sev- 
eral wooden buildings. In August, two other fires occurred, 
and several buildings on the wharves were destroyed. 

On the night of February 5, 1867, the town narrowly 
escaped a destructive conflagration. A fire broke out in the 
shoe manufactory of Joseph Harris & Sons, on Pleasant 
Street, destroying the building, together with the Baptist 
Church and the dwelling-house of Increase H. Brown. The 
flames were communicated to several other buildings in the 
vicinity, but the fire was fortunately controlled before doing 
further damage. 

The work of rebuilding began early in the spring. A 
commodious factory was erected by Messrs. Harris & Sons, 
on Elm Street, and the Baptist Society erected a new church 

1 Elm Street was widened in 1865, Gregory Street in 1868, and the corner 
of Pleasant and Washington Streets, by the removal of the " old Ilinckley 
Building," in 1870. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 315 

on the site formei-ly occupied by their old house of worship. 
On the 14th of October, eight men at work on the new 
church edifice were thrown to the ground by the breaking 
away of a staging. One man was killed instantly, and an- 
other died from his injuries, after several days of extreme 
suffering. 

The custom of decorating the graves of soldiers with flow- 
ers was observed in Marblehead for the first time on the 
13th of June, 1868, under the auspices of the " Soldiers' 
and Sailors' Union League." Nearly every organization in 
town participated in the procession. The exercises, which 
took place on the Common, consisted of an oration by Wil- 
liam B. Brown, Esq., an address by the Rev. William G. 
Haskell, and reading a poem written for the occasion by 
Mr. Benjamin K. Prentiss, of Lynn, a native of Marble- 
head. The procession then marched to the several ceme- 
teries, where the graves of those who gave their lives in 
defense of the country were reverently decorated. This 
beautiful custom has been annually observed on the 30th of 
INIay, under the auspices of the " Grand Army of the Re- 
public." 

The most notable events of this year, besides the usual 
excitement attending a presidential election, were the or- 
ganization of the Liberty Hose Company, and the action of 
the town in authorizing the lighting of the public streets at 
night. 

Little of importance marked the passage of the year 1869. 
Two prominent local organizations were chartered, however : 
" John Goodwin, Jr., Post 82, Grand Army of the Repub- 
lic," and " Ozias Encampment I. O. of Odd Fellows." 

During the following year. Unity Degree Lodge Daugh- 
ters of Rebekah, and Neptune Lodge, No. 31, Knights of 
Pythias, were organized. 

In 1871, the town voted to purchase a new steam fire-en- 
gine, which resulted in a controversy among the firemen as 
to which company should have the custody of the new ma- 



316 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

chine. At the annual March meeting, the citizens elected a 
board of firewards, in accordance with the time-honored cus- 
tom of the town. This action was resisted by the boai'd of 
selectmen, who appointed another set of firewards, and 
claimed that the election by the citizens was illegal. The 
question was finally carried before the courts, and a decision 
was rendered declaring the election by the people the only 
legal method of appointment. 

The new engine arrived on the 8th of September, and 
was subsequently placed in charge of the General Glover 
Fire Association. 

The Marblehead Savings Bank was incorporated early in 
the year, and in December a new local newspaper, known 
as the " Marblehead Messenger," made its appearance. 

On New Year's night, 1872, the fire department made a 
grand demonstration in honor of the satisfactory ending of 
the controversy concerning the new steam fire-engine. Af- 
ter a torch-light procession about town, the various compa- 
nies assembled at the rooms of the Glover Fire Association, 
where a dinner was served. The Marblehead Steam Fire 
Association was oi^ganized on the same evening. 

On the 8th of July, a new church edifice, which had been 
erected a short time before on Gregoiy Street by the Roman 
Catholics, was burned to the ground. Soon after, a parson- 
age was erected on the same site, for the use of the parish 
priest. 

During the month of August, " Manataug Tribe Im- 
proved Order of Red Men " was organized. 

The year 1873 was one of the most eventful in the annals 
of the town. Early in the winter, several persons were re- 
ported sick with the small-pox, and great excitement pre- 
vailed among the people. The first to die with the disease 
was Mr. George Hatch, a member of the board of select- 
men, and a gentleman well known and highly respected in 
the community. Shortly after, a house on Water Street was 
taken for a small-pox hospital, and several persons were 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 317 

placed there for treatment. The management of this hos- 
pital was not satisfactory to the citizens, and a controversy 
ensued which continued until the close of the annual town 
meeting. 

On Thursday morning, September 11, a fire broke out in 
a stable on Darling Street, belonging to ]Mr. Thomas T. 
Paine, and before it could be extinguished a large hotel on 
Washington Street, known as the " Manataug House," and 
a dwelling-house adjoining, belonging to the estate of Sam- 
uel Homan, were destroyed. Several other buildings in the 
vicinity were badly damaged. 

On Monday, October 19, the new railroad from Mar- 
blehead to Lynn, known as the Swampscott Branch, was 
opened for travel, and the event was celebrated in an ap- 
propriate manner. Five hundred citizens were conveyed 
over the route in the first train, and on its return a grand 
dinner was served at AUerton Hall. The Marblehead Band 
was in attandance, and speeches were made by many of the 
prominent citizens and invited guests. 

The year 1874 opened with a gloomy prospect for the 
people of Marblehead. The shoe business was suffering 
from the effects of the great financial panic of 1873, and a 
large proportion of the laboring population were out of 
employment. As the year advanced, and the business de- 
pression continued, a " Citizens' Relief Association " was or- 
ganized for the assistance of those in distress. The people 
responded generously to every appeal made in behalf of the 
sufferers, and the distress was alleviated. 

At the annual March meeting of this year, William B. 
Brown, Esq., who had served as a member of the school 
committee for a quarter of a century, declined a reelection. 
As soon as his determination was made known to the citi- 
zens the following resolution was unanimously adopted : — 

" Whereas, Our beloved fellow-citizen, William B. Brown, 
has served his native town as a member of the School 
Committee for the long period of twenty-five years; as 



318 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

chairman of the Board, writing the annual report, and 
giving most freely of his time, his intelligence, and hia 
hearty sympathy to the cause of education in our midst, 
without one cent of remuneration, even to the prejudice 
of his pecuniary interest and bodily health ; And Whereas, 
for the present high standing of our public schools we grate- 
fully acknowledge a large indebtedness for his direct per- 
sonal efforts, therefore, be it — 

" Resolved : That we, the citizens of Marblehead, in town 
meeting assembled, do hereby vote him our most hearty 
thanks, for these rare and invaluable services." 

On the night of April 14, a dwelling-house on Reed's 
Hill, owned and occupied by Mr. John Stewart, caught fire 
and was partially destroyed. After the fire was extin- 
guished, it was discovered that Miss Amy Stewart had lost 
her life from suffocation in attempting to escape from her 
room. This is the only instance of the loss of human life 
at a fire since the settlement of the town. 

On the 25th of April the old " Columbian Building," on 
Washington Street, was burned to the ground. At a town 
meeting held on Wednesday, May 27, Mr. James J. H. 
Gregory donated the sum of two thousand dollars to the 
town, to be used as a fund, the interest of which is to be 
applied once in four years to promote the moral, mental, 
and physical welfare of the inhabitants. The method of 
investment for this purpose, is to be decided by a com- 
mittee consisting of the chairman of the selectmen, the 
chairman of the school committee, and all the ministers of 
the gospel settled over religious, societies in the town. 

On Friday, October 2, the first annual parade of the 
fire department took place. Every association in the de- 
partment participated in the procession. All the engine 
houses and many private residences were elaborately deco- 
rated with flags and bunting. In the afternoon there was a 
trial of hand engines, and a race between the Liberty Hose 
Company and Washington Hook and Ladder Company. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 319 

During the year the selectmen were formally notified 
that Mr. Benjamin Abbot, who died in Boston in September, 
1872, had bequeathed all the residue of his property, after 
the payment of several other legacies, to the town of Mar- 
blehead. The property consisted of United States bonds 
and other securities to the value of 8103,000.^ The will of 
the donor concluded as follows : " I have made this provision 
for the town of Marblehead because it was my birthplace. 
And it is my desire that a building shall be erected for the 
benefit of the inhabitants of said town ; but I do not intend 
to limit the use of the legacy to that purpose or to impose 
conditions which would prevent the use of it for such other 
general objects as the citizens of said town may determine 
upon in their discretion. I desire that my name shall al- 
ways be attached to said fund." 

On the 9th of February, 1875, a town meeting was held 
at Lyceum Hall, and resolutions were unanimously adopted 
accepting the legacy, and declaring the steadfast purpose of 
the town to erect a building in accordance with the wishes 
of the donor. At the same meeting, Messrs. William B. 
Brown, Henry A. Potter, Henry F. Pitman, Thomas In- 
galls, Samuel Sparhawk, and Josejoh P. Turner, were elected 
trustees of the fund. 

On the 21st of May, the town voted to " erect a public 
building of brick with stone trimmings, to be designated as 
Abbot Hall, of such dimensions as will secure an audience 
hall that will seat at least twelve hundred persons ; a hall 
for a public library and reading-room," a fire proof vault for 
the storage and security of the records, and rooms for the 
use of the various boards of town officers, 

1 Benjamin Abbot, the donor of this munificent gift, was born in Marble- 
head, September 7, 1795. Early in life he removed to Salem, and was ap- 
prenticed to a cooper. He subsequently opened a coopers' shop in Boston, 
and by economy and persevering industry succeeded in amassing a fortune. 
Mr. Abbot was esteemed by all as a man of honor and integrity, and his 
genial disposition and ready sympathy endeared him to a large circle of 
friends. He died in Boston, September, 1872. 



320 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

The selection of a site for the new building had for some 
time occupied the attention of the people, and various locali- 
ties were strongly advocated through the columns of the 
local paper. On Saturday, May 22, a town meeting was 
held for the choice of a site, and a majority of the citizens 
voted in favor of the Common. Several meetings were held 
for the election of a building committee, and Messrs. James 
J. H. Gregory, Simeon Dodge, jNIoses Gilbert, Henry F. 
Pitman, and Thomas Appleton were chosen by a majority 
vote. 

In December, the town voted to appropriate $75,000 of 
the Abbot fund for the erection of the building, and the 
committee were instructed to proceed with the work. The 
opponents of the site chosen by the town, though in the 
minority, were active and determined in their antagonism ; 
and when, in the spring of 1876, ground was broken on the 
Common for the erection of the building, a bill in equity 
was filed in the supreme judicial court to restrain the com- 
mittee from further proceedings. The bill was based prin- 
cipally on the claim that the town had no legal right to 
erect the hall on the Common, as the land was the property 
of the commoners of Marblehead. 

The case was tried on Monday, April 17, before Associate 
Justice Ames, of the supreme judicial court. Hon. Eben- 
ezer R. Hoar appeared as counsel for the town, and Mr. S. 
B. Ives, Jr., for the petitioners. A decision was rendered 
in favor of the town, the petitioners being unable to prove 
an adverse title. 

The work on the foundation of the building began at once 
and progressed rapidly. The corner-stone was laid on the 
25th of July, the exercises consisting of music by the Mar- 
blehead Brass Band, prayer by the Rev. John W. Chad- 
wick, and addresses by Messrs. James J. H. Gregory and 
Jonathan H. Orne. 

There were other important events in the year 1876, be- 
sides the erection of Abbot Hall, and to these we must turn 
our attention. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 321 

During the autumn of the previous year a great temper- 
ance revival was inaugurated through the eiiorts of a few- 
faithful and zealous women, wh.o styled themselves the 
" Christian Temperance Union." By their invitation Dr. 
H. A. Reynolds, of Bangor, Maine, visited the town and be- 
gan a series of temperance meetings at Lyceum Hall. In a 
short time a " Reform Club " was organized, and as one 
after another of those who were known to be inebriates 
signed the pledge of total abstinence, the movement assumed 
proportions far exceeding the most sanguine expectations of 
its originators. 

Throughout the winter and spring of 1876 the people 
were in a constant state of excitement and enthusiasm. 
Public meetings were held several times a week, and more 
than twelve hundred persons signed the pledge. The Re- 
form Club increased to four hundred members, and a tem- 
perance society known as the Independent Associates was 
organized. During the summer out-door meetings were 
held, and though the enthusiasm was not as great as in the 
winter, many of the fallen were reclaimed. The influence 
of this great reformation cannot be overestimated. A 
majority of those who forsook the dangerous paths of intem- 
perance were sincere in their professions and have since 
been industrious and law-abiding citizens. 

Wednesday, May 17, the one hundredth anniversary of 
the capture of the British transport Hope, by Capt. James 
Mugford, in the Continental schooner Franklin, witnessed 
one of the greatest celebrations ever known in the history 
of Marblehead. The day was ushered in by the ringing of 
all the church bells for an hour at sunrise, and a salute of 
thirty-nine guns from a battery on " Wofk-house rockS." 
The bells were also rung, and salutes were fired at noon, and 
sunset. At nine o'clock A. M., a procession was formed, 
consisting of military companies of Marblehead and Lynn, 
seven bands of music, distinguished visitors, soldiers and 
sailors of the War of 1812, veterans of the civil war, town 

21 



322 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

officers, clergy, secret societies, scholars of the public schools, 
and the entire fire department. The procession moved 
through the principal streets to the square at the junction ot 
Pleasant and Essex Streets, where a monument which had 
been placed in position the day before was dedicated with 
appropriate exercises. The monument is a shaft of Hallo- 
well granite, eighteen and one half feet high, and four feet 
nine inches square at the base. It is inscribed on all four 
sides as follows : — 

On the northern side : — 

A TRIBUTE OF MAEBLEHEAD 

To the memory of the brave Captain Mugford, and his heroic crew, who, 
in the Franklin of sixty tons, and four four-pounders, May 17, 1776, 
under the guns of the British fleet, captured and carried into Boston 
the transport Hope, three hundred tons, ten guns, loaded with muni- 
tions of war, including 1,500 barrels of powder. 

On the eastern side : — 

CEEW OF THE FRANKLIN AS FAR AS KNOWN. 

James Mugford . . . Captain. 

Thomas Russell . . . Lieutenant. 
Jeremiah Uibard . . . Lieutenant. 

William Thomas . . Gunner. 
Samuel H. Green . . • Quartermaster. 

James Topham . . . Carpenter. 
John Powers .... Boatswain. 

SEAMEN. 

John Dove, Samuel Roff, 

Thomas Dove, James Quilty, 

John Witham, Quinn Bettis. 

On the western side : — 

CAPTAIN JAMES MUGFORD, 

Born in Marblehead, May 19, 1749. 

Killed May 19, 1776, 

while successfully defending his vessel against thirteen boats and two 

hundred men from the British fleet. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 323 

On the southern side : — 

ERECTED MAY 17, 1867. 

After the dedication of the monument, the procession 
moved to the Unitarian church, where the other exercises 
took place. They consisted of singing by the Marblehead 
Musical Association, prayer by the Rev. Benjamin H. Bai- 
ley, an ode written for the occasion by the Rev. John W. 
Chadwick, an oration by the Hon. George B. Loring, of 
Salem, and an ode written by Miss Marcia M. Selman. 

On the Fourth of July another celebration took place ; 
but owing to a controversy concerning the dedication of the 
Soldier's and Sailor's Monument, it was not so successfully 
conducted as that of the Mugford Centennial. At nine 
o'clock A. M., a procession was formed, consisting of the Mar- 
blehead Brass Band, the Marblehead Monumental Associa- 
tion, the Hibernian Friendly Society, a delegation of the 
Mugford Fire Association, the Board of Selectmen, the cler- 
gy, and the children of the North and South Church Sab- 
bath-schools in carriages. The procession moved through the 
principal streets to the square at the junction of Mugford 
and Elm Streets, where a monument erected in memory of 
the soldiers and sailors of Marblehead who fell in the civil 
war was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies. The monu- 
ment is of Hallowell granite, being thirty-four feet high, 
and eight feet square at the base. It bears four tablets 
containmg the names of one hundred and thirty-eight sol- 
diers and sailors. On the base directly in front is the fol- 
lowing inscription : — 

IN MEMORY OE OUR COUNTRY'S DEFENDERS. 

1776. 1812. 1861. 

ERECTED BY THE CITIZENS OF MARBLEHEAD. 
DEDICATED JULY 4, 1876. 

The other exercises of the day took place at the Unita- 



324 THE HISTOKY AND TRADITIONS 

rian Church. They consisted of prayer by the Rev. Julius 
H. Ward ; singing, by the Marblehead Musical Association ; 
reading of the Declaration of Independence, by Mr. Charles 
H. Litchman ; and addresses, by Messrs. James J. H. Greo- 
ory and William B. Brown. At the close of the exercises, 
a dinner was served at AUerton Hall. 

The political campaign of this year was as exciting in 
Marblehead as elsewhere throughout the country. The most 
memorable event in connection with it, however, was a Re- 
publican caucus for the election of delegates to attend the 
senatorial convention of that party. The caucus was held 
at the town hall on Monday evening, October 9, and con- 
tinued three entire evenings before a choice was made. The 
names of three gentlemen were presented as candidates for 
the nomination, and the friends of each rallied in large num- 
bers. At length, after a bitter and most exciting contest, 
delegates favorable to one of the contestants were chosen. 
The nomination, however, was not conferred upon either of 
the contestants. The Prohibitory party had nominated Mr. 
James J. H. Gregory, of Marblehead, for senator, and the 
nomination was ratified by the Republican convention. At 
the ensuing election, Mr. Gregory w^as elected, though a 
heavy vote was cast for Mr. Daniel Appleton, of Marble- 
head, the candidate of the Democratic party. The vote of 
Marblehead was cast in favor of the entire Democratic 
ticket by a large majority, and both the candidates of that 
party for representatives to the General Court were elected. 
During the campaign, a new political organization, known 
as the " Greenback Labor Party," was formed. Forty-four 
votes only were polled for the candidates of this party at 
the election, but two years later it had increased to such an 
extent as to elect two representatives to the General Court. 

The local events of the year 1877 were among the most 
memorable in the entire history of the town. At the an- 
nual Mai-ch meeting, the town voted to appropriate the sum 
of $20,000 from the Abbot fund, to be placed in the hands 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 325 

of trustees, and devoted, principal and interest, in their dis- 
cretion, to the founding and maintenance of a reading-room 
and library, to be called "Abbot Libi'ary." It was also 
voted to place the unappropriated balance of the Abbot 
fund at interest, and to devote the income to the payment 
of the annual expense of maintaining the Abbot Building, 
including heating, lighting, and the care of the building and 
grounds. 

On the 15th of May the town voted to make a reservoir 
of Red's Pond, and to lay water-pipes therefrom, with hy- 
drants in suitable places for use in the case of fires. The 
sum of $10,000 was appropriated for the purpose, and Ado- 
niram C. Orne, Caleb Prentiss, Jr., Hooper R. Goodwin, 
Isaac Atkins, and Thomas Appleton were elected a com- 
mittee to carry the vote into effect. An effort had been 
made many years before to convert Red's Pond into a reser- 
voir, but a majority of the citizens were strenuously opposed 
to the measure, and the projector, Mr. A. C. Orne, was 
obliged to wait for another generation of citizens to realize 
its necessity. 

The eventful morning of June 25, 1877, will never be for- 
gotten by the people of Marblehead. At about half-past 
one o'clock, a barn in the rear of a large three-story build- 
ing known as the " Marblehead Hotel," situated on Pleasant 
Street, in the midst of the largest and finest buildings of 
which the town could boast, was discovered to be on fire. 
Before assistance could be summoned the fire had communi- 
cated to the hotel, and when the firemen arrived on the 
scene the building was in flames. Every effort was made to 
check the progress of the destructive element, but without 
avail. The General Glover engine-house, situated directly 
over the Brick Pond Reservoir, was soon in flames, cutting 
off the supply of water from that source. The fire was now 
beyond the control of the firemen, and, in spite of their al- 
most superhuman efforts to stop it, spread from building to 
building with lightning-like rapidity. In a few moments a 



326 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

large slioe manufactory known as Pope's Block, was on fire, 
the flames spreading to a barn owned by E. V. Bartlett & 
Co., and from thence to a shoe manufactory owned and oc- 
cupied by that firm. The fire now defied all efforts at con- 
trol. Leaping around the corner of School Street, the con- 
flagration extended from Rechabite Building to a shoe man- 
ufactory owned by Nathaniel Glover, thence to a large block 
owned by Wormsted & Woodfin, and soon the shoe manu- 
factory of William Stevens, a stable owned by Thomas T. 
Paine, and fifteen other buildings, mostly dwelling-houses, 
comprising every building on Sewall Street, from the corner 
of School Street to Spring Street, were in flames. Extend- 
ing along the north side of Pleasant Street, the fire con- 
sumed a building belonging to T. T. Paine, a small dwelling- 
house owned by William Humphrey, the beautiful depot 
erected a few years previous, said at that time to be the finest 
on the line of the Eastern Railroad, a barn and dwelling- 
house owned by Benjamin G. Hathaway, a boarding-house 
owned by Henry F. Pitman, a large shoe manufactory owned 
and occupied by Jonathan Brown, the dwelling-house of Wil- 
liam C. Lefavour, and a barn belonging to the estate of the 
late Dr. H. H. F. Whittemore. On the south side of Pleasant 
Street, every building save one was consumed, from a house 
belonging to the estate of Mrs. Leonora Chapman, nearly op- 
posite the place where the fire originated, to the Mugford 
Monument, at the junction of Essex and Spring streets. 
These included a large block owned by Joshua O. Lefavour, 
a house owned by John H. Brown and occuijied by G. W. 
Forsyth as a boarding-house, a large four-story building 
known as Allerton Block, a shoe manufactory owned by M. 
J. Doak,'and several dwelling-houses. On the southern end 
of School Street, every building was destroyed, including a 
large building owned by Henry O. Symonds, the frame and 
materials for a new engine-house in process of construction, 
a stable owned by Enoch A. Perkins, the South Church, a 
dwelling-house owned by Edmund Glover, and several 



OF MAEBLEHEAD. 327 

smaller buildings. On Essex Street, every building was de- 
stroyed, including a large shoe manufactory belonging to the 
estate of John H. Wilkins, a small shop occupied by a mar- 
ble-worker, and several dwelling-houses. On Spring Street, 
two shoe manufactories owned by William C. Lefavour, and 
four dwelling-houses, were destroyed, the only building left 
standing being the Sewall School-house. On Bassett Street 
two dwelling-houses were consumed, together with a barn 
belonging to Franklin Reynolds. On Nickerson's Hill, a car- 
penter's shop belonging to Henrj'- F. Pitman was destroyed, 
and several other buildings were seriously damaged. 

The exciting scenes throughout the town during the prog- 
ress of the great conflagration beggar description. Men, 
women, and children were panic stricken, and hundreds were 
rushing about the streets vainly endeavoring to save their 
household goods or personal effects. Many families were 
obliged to flee from burning houses, leaving furniture, wear- 
ing apparel, and everything they possessed, to the destroy- 
ing element. Others succeeded in removing their furniture 
and household goods to the open fields, only to see them 
take fire, in some instances before the flames reached the 
houses from which they had been removed. Many houses 
in various parts of the town caught fire from burning em- 
bers and were saved only by the heroic efforts of the 
women, who carried water to the roofs in buckets, and 
thus preserved their own homes, while their husbands and 
brothers were engaged in preserving the property of others. 
At one time every church in the town was on fire except 
the Ba]3tist and Roman Catholic. Then it was that strong 
men trembled, fearing that the town would be utterly de- 
stroyed. But their desperation only nerved them to greater 
effort, and at length, reenforced by assistance from Salem, 
Lynn, and other cities, the firemen were successful and the 
great fire was conquered. But what a scene of devastation 
met the eye when the morning sun broke forth. Where 
but a few hours before had been large factories, and comfort- 



328 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

able homes, monuments of the enterprise and industry of 
the people, were only stone walls and tottering chimneys. 
The entire business portion of the town had disappeared 
in a single night. Seventy-six buildings, with nearly all 
their contents, representing over half a million dollars' 
worth of property, had been consumed. Only four of the 
large shoe manufactories were left standing in the town, 
while ninety families were made homeless, and fifteen hun- 
dred men and women were thrown out of employment. The 
prospect for them was dark and discouraging in the ex- 
treme. The loss of the property owners and business men, 
though severe, was partially covered by insurance ; but the 
working population, many of whom had already been out 
of employment several months in consequence of the depres- 
sion in business, besides losing all their tools, were suddenly 
deprived of the means of obtaining a livelihood. But though 
"cast down" the people were not disheai'tened. Some of 
the business men immediately began to devise measures 
for " starting again," with the heroic determination, if pos- 
sible, to restore their shattered fortunes. A notable instance 
of this kind deserves especial mention here. Among those 
who lost almost everything by the fire, were Messrs N. Allen 
Lindsey & Co., the proprietors of the local paper. Their 
office was in Allerton Block, and when the great building 
was consumed, all their stock, fixtures, machines, and other 
materials shared in the general destruction. They suc- 
ceeded, however, in saving their heading and column rules, 
and that evening, before the ruins of their former office had 
done smoking, an extra edition of the " Marblehead INIes- 
senger " appeared with a full account of the great conflagra- 
tion. Never before since its establishment, was the " Mes- 
senger" more welcome to the citizens of Marblehead. Then 
for the first time they realized the value of their local paper, 
and appreciated the energy and business enterprise of its 
proprietors. 

During the afternoon a meeting was held at the town 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 329 

hall to devise measures of relief for the sufferers by the 
fire. The meeting was called to order by Capt. Knutt V. 
Martin, and a citizens' Relief Committee was chosen to so- 
licit donations of money and clothing. Before an appeal 
could be issued, however, donations began to pour in from 
all parts of the country, and in a short time the committee 
reported that enough had been received to alleviate the 
distress. The total amount of contributions received was 
$23,498.30. The clcfthing was distributed by a society of 
ladies known as the " Women's Centennial Aid Society," 
who rendered efficient assistance to the committee in its 
charitable work. 

We cannot close our account of this terrible visitation 
without a few commendatory words concerning the forti- 
tude and enterprising energy which characterized the busi- 
ness men throughout' the entire trying period. They had 
received a blow from which it Avas thought they could not 
recover. But with steady resolution they set themselves to 
the work before them, and in less than three months had re- 
built more than one third of the number of buildino-s de- 
stroyed by the fire. 

During the two years which have elapsed since the great 
conflagration to the present time of writing,^ nearly every 
building destroyed has been replaced by a new and commo- 
dious structure. The buildings erected for business pur- 
poses are very much inferior, both in size and architectural 
beauty, to those which were destroyed ; but the dwelling- 
houses are superior in size, and besides being convenient, 
modern homesteads, are ornaments to the town. 

Another important local event, during the year 1877, was 
the completion of Abbot Hall. This beautiful edifice was 
erected in strict accordance with the vote of the town, not a 
dollar in excess of the appropriation being expended by the 
committee. Great credit is due to Messrs. Simeon Dodge 
and Moses Gilbert, under whose supervision the building 

1 1879. 



330 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

was constructed. Many of the conveniences which render 
the new hall superior to most public buildings, are due to 
the faithful and efficient manner in which these gentlemen 
performed the work assigned them by the town. 

Upon the completion of the building, several of the citi- 
zens and natives of the town residing abroad generously 
contributed pictures and other articles to add to its attract- 
iveness. The Hon. James J. H. Gregory presented a clock 
and bell for the tower, and a large oil painting for the read- 
ing-room. Mr. Thomas Appleton, also, donated a picture 
for the reading-room ; a piano for use in the hall was pre- 
sented by Mr. Henry F. Pitman ; and a carpet for the stage 
by Mr. Joel Goldthwaite, of Boston. Mr. Nathaniel Brira- 
blecome, of Boston, gave a clock for the hall, and Mr. Wil- 
liam F. Joy, of Boston, a book -case for the use of the town 
clerk. 

The dedication of the building took place on Wednesday, 
December 12, under the direction of a committee of thirteen 
gentlemen elected for that purpose. The exercises consisted 
of instrumental music by the American Band of Providence, 
R. I. ; prayer by the Rev. George Pierce, Jr., of Milford, 
N. H. ; singing by the Marblehead Musical Association ; an 
original ode written for the occasion by Miss Marcia M. 
Selman ; and an oration by the Hon. Edward Avery, of 
Braintree, ]\Iass. The benediction was pronounced by the 
Rev, Edward Crowninshield, of West Dedham, Mass. In 
the evening a concert was given by the American Band, of 
Providence, R. I. 

Early in the spring of the following year Abbot Library 
was opened to the public, Miss Mary G. Brown being ap- 
pointed librarian with Mrs. Sarah Gregory as assistant. 

Little of importance occurred during the year 1878. In 
the autumn the annual State election took place, when both 
the old political parties in Marblehead were nearly disinte- 
grated by the conversion of a large proportion of the legal 
voters to the principles of the Greenback Labor Party. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 331 

This was caused by the candidacy of Gen. Benjamin F. 
Butler, who was nominated as an independent candidate for 
Governor. The Democratic Convention at Worcester in- 
dorsed his nomination, and the result was a split in that 
party, the opposition supporting the Hon. Josiah G. Abbott, 
of Boston. The Kepublican candidate was the Hon. Thomas 
Talbot, of Billerica, who received, besides the united sup- 
port of his party, a large number of votes from Democrats. 
The campaign was one of the most exciting ever known in 
Marblehead. At the election ten candidates for representa- 
tives to the General Court were in the field, supported by 
the various parties. A majority of the citizens voted in 
favor of General Butler, however, and the nominees of the 
Greenback Labor Party were elected. 

During the period of which we have written in this chap- 
ter, the town has gradually developed into a popular sum- 
mer resort. Nearly every available spot along the shore 
has been purchased and built upon by summer residents, 
and every year brings a larger number of pleasure-seekers 
to our shore than its predecessor. Within ten years the 
peninsula known as " Marblehead Neck " has been laid out 
into house-lots, and the growth of its settlement has been 
rapid and constant. Wide and well-kept avenues have been 
laid out in various directions, commanding a full view of the 
ocean, the town, and the coast from Thacher's Island to the 
South Shore. There are sixty-seven houses already occupied 
during the summer and others are being erected. The pic- 
turesque little village of Nashua comprises a large number 
of neatly painted houses, some of which rival any city resi- 
dence in the beauty of their surroundings. 

What is true of the Neck is true also, though in a lesser 
degree, of various other sections of the town. Peach's Point 
has grown within a few years into a beautiful village of com- 
modious residences, and every year new houses are erected 
in the sections known as Devei-eux and Clifton. The board- 
ing-houses at these sections are always well filled during the 



332 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

summer, and the future prominence of Marblehead as a wat- 
ering-place seems to be assured. 

And now, having traced the growth of the town from the 
time of its settlement, let us glance, before closing, at the 
condition of its people in the year of our Lord 1879. The 
great depression to which the business of the entire country- 
has been subjected during the past five or six years, has been 
a decided check to all material prosperity in Marblehead. 
The shoe business, the great industry of the town, has been 
at times almost stagnant, and the working men and women 
have been out of employment several months in each year. 
This has had the effect to drive temporary residents to more 
prosperous cities and towns, and to cause a decrease in the 
number of inhabitants. But during the past year there 
have been unmistakable signs of returning prosperity. The 
shoe manufactories have been busy for a longer period than 
for years past, and a larger proportion of the inhabitants 
have been employed. Nor is this the only encouraging sign 
of the times. Though the Bank fishery, the industry by 
means of which the people obtained a livelihood in former 
years, has passed away,^ it is being rapidly replaced by the 
bay fishing trade, in which more than twenty boats are 
already engaged. The men go out in the morning and re- 
turn at night-fall with a fare of fresh fish for which they 
find a ready market as soon as they land on the wharves. 
This enterprise is as yet in its infancy, but the successful 
proportions to which it has attained within a period of two 
years, suggest great possibilities for the future. 

1 Only one vessel was sent to the Banks from Marblehead in 1879. 



OF MAKBLEHEAD. 333 



CHAPTER XVII. 

The peninsula known as Marblehead Great Neck, as has 
been stated in another chapter, is one mile long and half a 
mile wide, and contains about three hundred acres of land. 
Previous to the year 1724, the land was held in common bj 
various proprietors, with the exception of a few grants of 
several acres each, made by the town of Salem before the 
incorporation of the township of Marblehead. On the 4th 
of December, 1724, the proprietors voted to subdivide the 
land, and to locate the claim of each owner. This duty was 
assigned to Richard Trevett, John Waldron, and Ebenezer 
Hawkes, by whom the Vote was carried into effect, and the 
division accordingly made.^ 

There is little of interest concerning the Neck during the 
years preceding the division of land. It was used principally 
as a pasture for cattle and sheep, and a man was elected an- 
nually by the town to " look after them and drive them 
home at night-fall." There were those, however, among 
the proprietors, who erected houses upon their land and 
either resided there themselves, or leased them to others, in 
order the more conveniently to carry on the fishing business 
in which they were engaged. The harbor side of the Neck, 
as we are informed by reliable tradition and by frequent 

1 The proprietors of the Neck property, at the time of the division in 1724, 
were Richard Skinner, John Pedrick, Andrew Pedrick, John Waldron, Fran- 
cis Bouden, John Roads, Christopher Booby, John Trevett, John Calley, 
Robert Devoricks, John Edgcomb, Jeremiah Gatchell, Richard Trevett, Capt. 
Richard Reith, Mrs. Emma Peach, Ebenezer Hawkes, John Legg, Esq., Na- 
than Norden, Samuel Russell, Mr. William Nick's widow, John Stacey, Wil- 
liam Hands, Sr., John Conant, Ebenezer Ingalls' widow, Capt. Benjamin 
James, successors of Rev. Samuel Cheever, Mr. William Reed, John Raddin. 



334 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

references in the records, was for many years covered by 
" fish flakes," where the fish were cured and dried, and 
warehouses in which they were stored. Among those who 
thus availed themselves of these advantages, were John 
Roads and Nathaniel Ingersoll, both of whom were " shore- 
men." They were owners of vessels, and it was their cus- 
tom — as it has been that of many other citizens of ^Marble- 
head since that time — to fit out their vessels and send them 
to the Banks, receiving as remuneration a certain proportion 
of the fare. 

For many years the fishermen of the town obtained most 
of the fresh water which they carried to sea from a spring 
on the harbor side of the Neck, known as "Stratton's spring 
well," which yielded a plentiful supply. Frequent refer- 
ences are made to this spring in old leases and deeds, and it 
was doubtless one of the most famous landmarks in the 
vicinity. 

One of the earliest of those who erected houses and re- 
sided upon the Neck, was John Pedrick, whose name ap- 
pears among the householders of Marblehead in 1665. He 
possessed a large amount of property in real estate, and be- 
ing a man of considerable means, devoted much of his time 
to the cultivation of the soil. From the records and tradi- 
tions of his family it appears that he was of high lineage, 
and that Pedrick was not his real name. Coming to Amer- 
ica at a time when the English government strongly opposed 
the emigration of families of the upper class, a disguise was 
rendered necessary, and he had recourse, as did many others 
of his rank and station in society, to an assumed name. He 
brought with him mone}^, servants, laborers, farming imple- 
ments, and household furniture. Some of the persons who 
came with him, it is said — but in no way related to him or 
his family — were permitted to take his name. That it was 
his intention to throw off the disguise and resume his legiti- 
mate name there can be little doubt, but as the years passed 
on and his property accumulated, it was evident that the 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 335 

act would be attended by great inconvenience, and the idea 
was abandoned. 

Another resident was Joshua Coombs, whose family oc- 
cupied the estate for three generations. He was the father 
of Michael Coombs, who during the Revolutionary War was 
one of the most obnoxious of the Loyalists residing in Mar- 
blehead. Finding the indignation of his fellow-citizens 
rather more severe than was comfortable or desirable, 
Coombs fled to England, where he remained until the close 
of the war. After the declaration of peace he returned to 
Marblehead and died in 1806, at the age of seventy-three 
years. 

During the year 1774, shortly before the breaking out of 
the Revolutionary War, a company of British soldiers were 
stationed on the Neck under command of Major McGrath. 
They were there but a short time, however, and their com- 
mander is said to have been the first British officer killed at 
the battle of Bunker Hill. 

It is impossible to trace the families who made a home 
upon the Neck at different periods. The names of Wise, 
Tasker, John Tucker, William Searle, J. Swan, Henry 
Roads, and William Messervey, are frequently mentioned in 
the records, and from traditions related by aged inhabitants 
of the town it appears that they were fishermen. Though 
these men occupied a portion of the land with their " fish 
flakes," it was a comparatively small section, and the greater 
part of the territory was used chiefly as a pasture for many 
years. 

During the year 1795, Ebenezer Giles established salt 
works at the upper end of the Neck, on the harbor side, and 
the buildings remained there twelve or fifteen years, though 
the enterprise proved a failure. 

One of the most enterprising of the proprietors previous 
to the Revolutionary War was John Andrews, a wealthy 
" shoreman," who purchased several leases and inclosed 
them for a farm. During the year 1762, in the days of his 



336 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

prosperity, lie erected a house near the harbor, which has 
since been enlarged, and for several years has been known 
as the " Samoset House." A large portion of this property 
was subsequeiitly purchased by Jesse Blanchard, and at his 
death it passed into the hands of Ephraim Brown, his son- 
in-law. At frequent intervals, Mr. Brown purchased the 
land of the several owners, until his estate increased to two 
hundred and fifty acres, embracing nearly the entire terri- 
tory of the Neck. 

About the year 1840, Mr. Brown began the cultivation of 
a farm upon his estate, and in a few years it became one of 
the finest and most productive in the country. After the 
death of the owner the property was leased to various par- 
ties, one of whom was Mr. Martin Ham, who conducted the 
farm, while his son, Martin Ham, Jr., occupied the house 
near the beach, since known as the " Atlantic House," and 
opened it to the public as a hotel. 

During the year 1867, Mr. Ham began to under-lease 
small lots to sojourners for the summer, and in a short time 
a large number of temporary cottages were erected. As the 
advantages of the Neck became known, many who desired 
the delightful freedom of sea-shore life erected commodious 
tents, in which they dwelt with their families throughout the 
season. In a few years the ocean-side presented the appear, 
ance of an encampment of a small army. Hundreds of tents 
were pitched along the shore, and through the long and 
sultry summer days the dwellers found health and happiness 
in the calm enjoyment o*! their surroundings. Mr. Whit- 
tier, in his " Tent on the Beach," has given a picture of life 
at the sea-shore which can be appropriately applied to the 
dwellers on the Neck during this transition period : — 

" The clanging sea-fowl came and went, 

The hunter's gun in the marshes rang ; 
At nightfall, from a neighboring tent, 
A flute-voiced woman sweetly sang. 
Loose-haired, bare-footed, hand in hand. 
Young girls went tripping down the sand ; 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 337 

And youths and maidens, sitting in the moon, 

Dreamed o'er the old foud dream from which we wake too soon. 

" At times their fishing-lines they plied, 

With an old Triton at the oar, 
Salt as the sea-wind, tough and dried 

As an old cusk from Labrador. 
Strange tales he told of wreck and storm — 
Had seen the sea-snake's awful form, 
And heard the ghosts on Haley's Isle complain. 
Speak him ofiF-shore, and beg a passage to old Spain. 

"And there, on breezy morns, they saw 

The fishing-schooners outward run ; 
Their low-bent sails, in tack and flaw, 

Turned white or dark to shade and sun. 
Sometimes, in calm of closing day, 
They watched the spectral mirage play, 
Saw low, far islands looming tall and nigh, 
And ships with upturned keels sail like a sea the sky. 



" And when along the line of shore 

The mists crept upward chill and damp. 
Stretched careless on their sandy floor 

Beneath the flaring lantern lamp. 
They talked of all things old and new, 
Read, slept, and dreamed as idlers do ; 
And, in the unquestioned freedom of the tent. 
Body and o'ertaxed mind to healthful ease unbent." 

While the Brown estate was thus passing from farm and 
pasture land to a summer resort, a similar transition was 
taking place upon other portions of the Neck. On the 29th 
of April, 1867, Mr. John H. Gregory sold his estate near 
the harbor (about three quarters of an acre) to Messrs. A. 
H. Dunlap, Thomas Pierson, John Blunt, and George Mc- 
Masters, all of Nashua, N. H. Late in the month of June, 
in the same year, these gentlemen left Nashua with a com- 
pany of carpenters, and all the materials necessary for the 
construction of four cottages and four small stables. On the 
4th of July the houses were finished, and shortly after, the 
owners with their families, moved into them. These were 

22 



838 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

the first bouses built by permanent summer residents upon 
the Neck. 

During the summer of the same year, Mr. John Spar- 
hawk, who owned about three and a half acres of land in 
the vicinity, leased a portion of it to various persons, and 
several houses were erected. From this small beginning 
the growth of the settlement was rapid and constant. New 
houses were erected every year, and with each season the 
number of summer residents increased. 

On the 11th of January, 1872, the entire property upon 
the Neck, belonging to the heirs of Ephraim Brown, was 
sold at public auction for the sum of $255,000. The pur- 
chasers were Charles Odiorne and others of Boston, who 
formed a company known as the " Marblehead Great Neck 
Land Company." 

Under the direction of this company the land was laid 
out into house-lots, an avenue was built along the entire 
ocean side of the Neck, and other similar improvements 
were made. A few years later, however, the company hav- 
ing failed to keep the conditions of a mortgage given at the 
time of the purchase, the property again passed into the 
hands of the trustees of the Brown estate. Since that time, 
the trustees, Messrs. Isaac C. Wyman, William D. North- 
end, and George F. Flint, of Salem, have been constantly 
employed in improving the estate. The effect has been to 
bring the land more prominently into the market, and dur- 
ing the year 1879 a large amount of property was sold, 
and seventeen new houses were erected.^ 

Within a few years a better class of houses have been 
built by summer residents than formerly, and the small 
cottages have gradually given way to those of a larger size. 
Some of these houses are among the finest in the entire 
township, the owners apparently sparing neither pains nor 
expense in improving and beautifying their surroundings. 

During the year 1877, a hall was erected by the efforts of 
1 In 1879 there were sixty-seven houses upon the Neck. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 339 

the young people, which answers the double purpose of a 
place for holding religious services on the Sabbath and for 
social gatherings on other evenings of the week. 

To the lover of nature, Marblehead Great Neck presents 
rare opportunities for the enjoyment and cultivation of his 
tastes. One of the greatest natural curiosities on the ocean 
side is the " Churn," a fissure in the rocks about thirty feet 
deep, where the water roars and seethes at half-tide. 

The view from " Castle Rock," or " Great Head," as it is 
sometimes called, is one of the finest to be found on the en- 
tire New England coast. The vast expanse of water from 
the South Shore to Thacher's Island, relieved here and there 
by the beautiful islands along the shore, presents a scene 
which the appreciative beholder will not soon forget. In 
the distance, " Half-way Rock," so called because it is half- 
way between Boston and Cape Ann, is seen standing bold 
and defiant in mid-ocean. For many years the fishermen of 
Marblehead, when sailing past this rock, were in the habit 
of throwing a few pieces of small coin upon it, believing, 
with characteristic superstition, that the act would insure 
good luck and a safe return. 

Nearer the shore are Tinkers and Ram Islands, and a 
short distance off, the " Point." Marblehead Rock serves as 
a guide to vessels entering the harbor. The view from the 
harbor side includes at once the town, Lowell, Baker's and 
other adjacent islands, and in the distance, Beverly, Man- 
chester, and Gloucester shores. 



340 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

It has been said that the history of a town cannot be 
better told than in the story of its ancient buildings and 
landmarks. Marblehead is rich in these. Some -oi the 
houses erected within fifty years after the settlement of the 
town ate still standing, and there are many that have with- 
stood the storms of one hundred and fifty years. 

It would be of little interest to the reader to trace the 
history of all these houses, even if it were possible. There 
are those, however, which recall memories of the men of 
other days, whose noble deeds and earnest lives reflect 
honor on the town. These, at least, are worthy of atten- 
tion. 

Some of the oldest houses in the town are undoubtedly 
to be found in the vicinity of the section known as Peach's 
Point, where the first settlement was made. The oldest 
house of which we have any accurate record, however, is 
that known as the Tucker House, situated on Front Street. 
As early as the year 1664, this house was deeded by John 
Codner to his son John. It is said that the young man was 
about to be married, and that his father intended it as a 
wedding present. For many years the house stood by itself 
in an open field, and as Codner owned nearly all the land in 
the vicinity, there were few houses built around it. 

As the commercial trade of the town increased, several 
wharves were built near by, and the land in the vicinity was 
purchased for the erection of dwelling-houses, and for busi- 
ness purposes. The large warehouses, some of which are 
still standing where they were erected more than a century 
ago, recall the days when they were filled with foreign mer- 




The Home of Chief Justice Sewall. 




llHliJlj 

rfsiiii 




Parson Barnard's House, Fr.ankijn Street. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 341 

chaiiclise, and the fisli cured in Marbleliead were exported 
to the markets of Europe and the West Indies. The peo- 
ple, generally, were prosperous in those days, and as the 
town was constantly visited by strangers who desired enter- 
tainment, several public houses or taverns were established, 
all of which were profitably conducted. Of one of these 
taverns, which was kept in a house on the corner of Front 
and Glover Streets, an interesting tradition is related. It 
is said that during the year 1775, when the British frigate 
Lively was lying in the harbor, several shots were fired on 
shore, one of which struck the side of this house, where it 
was imbedded many yeai's. 

A short distance from the old tavern, though on different 
streets, are the houses once owned and occupied by Gen. 
John Glover, and his brother Col. Jonathan Glover. The 
house of the general stands on the street now known by 
his name, while that of his brother is on Front Street. 

This house is situated some distance back from the street, 
and is partially concealed from view by several houses in 
front of it. The land now occupied by these houses was 
formerly Colonel Glover's garden, which, in its day, is said 
to have been one of the finest in town. A gate at the en- 
trance to this garden was supported by two large posts 
upon each of which stood a gilded eagle with outspread 
wings. For this reason, the house was for many years 
called the "Eagle house," and by this name it is still 
familiarly known by the older inhabitants. 

During a severe thunder-storm, this house was struck by 
lightning. Colonel Glover and his two daughters, one of 
whom was the wife of the Rev. Ebenezer Hubbard, who 
was also present, barely escaped serious injury. A room 
which they had left but a few moments before was literally 
torn to pieces. One of the young ladies was prostrated by 
the lightning, and a portion of her clothing took fire. The 
event was long the chief topic of conversation in the town, 
and upon one person, at least, it made a serious impression.^ 



342 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

This was a youth named Samuel Bowden, who wrote a 
graphic account of the affair in verse. The following is an 
extract from the poem, in which he prays for the preserva- 
tion of Mr. Hubbard, and refers to the ministers of the other 
churches in town. 

" God therefore we thee implore, 
His precious life to save ; 
For none can praise thee with such lays, 
When huddled in the grave. 

" He is the only pastor we have now, 
To point the way to heaven, which way and how ; 
St. Michael's guide, to keep his mind at ease, 
Remaineth still among the absentees. 

" The Reverend Isaac Story, mourn his fate. 
What is he now to what he was of late 1 
Bo'nerges like, he used to speak in thunder. 
Now at his silence we are apt to wonder. 
But it is weakness, caused by fatal ills. 
Affects his nerves, and through his vitals thrills; 
And, vulture-like, preys on the mental flame. 
And every drop of vital moisture drains. 
May he regain his wasted strength once more. 
And be as nervous as he was before." 

Near Colonel Glover's house, on the opposite side of the 
street, is the old custom-house, where the merchants in the 
olden time were in the habit of congregating, to hear the 
news and to talk over the expected return of their vessels. 
During the Revolution, the records kept in this building 
were stolen by loyalists, and carried to Halifax, N. S. In 
this way much important information has been lost, and 
we have little documentary evidence of the commerce of the 
town before the war. 

On Selman Street, near Franklin Street, is the house in 
which that sturdy old patriot, Capt. John Selman, resided 
during his lifetime. His famous expedition to Prince Ed- 
ward's Island, and his patriotic zeal in capturing the gov- 
ernor, will be remembered by the reader. The old gentle- 
man did not have a very exalted opinion of General Washing- 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 343 

ton after tlie severe reprimanding he received, and through- 
out his hfe expressed the greatest indignation at what he 
considered the injustice done him. 

Near by, on Frankhn Street, is the house erected by the 
Rev. John Barnard, and in which he resided during his long 
and useful pastorate. Mr. Barnard was born in Boston, No- 
vember 6, 1681, and entered Harvard College in 1696. Four 
years later he graduated from that institution with honors. 
Though constantly engaged in preaching during the years 
which followed, it appears that he was not regularly ordained 
until the year 1716, when he was settled in Marblehead as 
the colleague of the Rev. Samuel Cheever. From this time 
until his death he resided in the town, devoting himself as- 
siduously to the sacred profession he had chosen. As a 
preacher, he was considered a " burning and shining light 
for many years ; his praise was in all the churches, and he 
seemed like a high-priest among the clergy of the land." 
He died January 24, 1770, in the 89th year of his age. 

On the opposite side of the street is the modest house, 
once the home of Capt. Richard James. Captain James 
was a prosperous merchant previous to the Revolution, and 
owned a large amount of property in various parts of the 
town. In later years the house became the home of Moses 
A. Pickett, who died in 1853, leaving his entire property to 
the poor of the town. This eccentric individual will never 
be forgotten by those who knew him. His ambition, evi- 
dently, was to be considered an artist, and in time he at- 
tained considerable local celebrity. His pictures — painted 
on glass, representing green cows and horses, eating red or 
blue grass — excited the wonder and admiration of every 
child who beheld them. For many years the house has been 
used as a home for poor widows, the benevolent old gentle- 
man having bequeathed it to the town for that purpose. 

Orne Street, leading from Franklin to Beacon Street, de- 
rives its name from Col. Azor Orne, one of the patriots who, 
with Gerry and Glover, took an active part in the stirring 



344 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

scenes incident to the war for Independence. The house in 
which he lived still stands on this street, suggesting interest- 
ing reminiscences, related by the old people a generation 
since, of the days when its hospitable doors were thrown 
open to receive distinguished guests, and the negro slaves 
sang merrily while busy about their work. 

The street upon which the greatest number of historic 
houses are situated is Washington Street, extending nearly 
the entire length of the town. The first of these houses we 
shall mention is that situated on the corner 'of Stacey Street, 
which is said to have been originally a part of the first meet- 
ing-house in Marblehead. The meeting-house was erected 
on the old Burying Hill, but was subsequently removed to 
Franklin Street, where it was very much enlarged. In the 
course of time it was pulled down, when the timbers were 
purchased and used in the construction of this building. 

Nearly opposite the " North Church " is the old home- 
stead of Capt. Thomas Gerry, one of the most eminent mer- 
chants of the town in the olden time. In this house his 
distinguished son, Elbridge Gerry, was born, and tliough it 
has since undergone a number of alterations, the room in 
which the great patriot first saw the light has been allowed 
to remain unchanged. 

In later years the house became the property of Capt. 
William Blackler, a veteran of the Revolution. He was a 
captain in Glover's regiment, and it was his proudest boast 
through life that he was in command of the boat in which 
General Washington crossed the Delaware River on the 
night before the battle of Trenton. 

Near by, on the corner of Pickett Street, is the house 
once the home of Maj. John Pedrick, a prosperous merchant 
before the Revolution. His ships sailed to nearly every 
port in England, Spain, and the West Indies, and his trans- 
actions were with some of the largest mercantile houses of 
Eur6pe. At one time, it is said, he owned twenty-five ves- 
sels engaged in the foreign trade. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 345 

The Revolutionary War, -whicli proved so disastrous to 
the merchants of Marblehead, bore with especial severity 
upon Major Pedrick. Several of his vessels were destroyed 
by British cruisers in Massachusetts Bay, and many others 
rotted in port. But through it all he proved himself a zeal- 
ous patriot, and a firm friend to his country. When his 
son was drafted as a soldier, he charged him not to accept a 
dollar from the government for his services, and provided 
him with money to meet his expenses. His daughters 
made a silk belt for their brother to wear, in which the gold 
and silver coins were quilted for safety. 

In addition to his other losses. Major Pedrick suffered 
severely by the depreciation of Continental money. At a 
critical period of the war, he furnished the government with 
valuable military and naval stores, for which he was obliged 
to receive a large amount of paper money. In a short time 
this money became utterly worthless and the entire amount 
was lost. 

Another house in this vicinity, of which an interesting 
story is related, is that on the corner of Pearl and Mechanic 
Streets. It was erected by the Rev. Simon Bi-adstreet, the 
successor of the Rev. Edward Holyoke as pastor of the 
Second Congregational Church. After his death it became 
the property of his daughter, the wife of the Rev. Isaac 
Story. It was in this house that William Story, Esq., re- 
sided at the time of his death. Mr. Story was formerly of 
Boston, and at the breaking out of the Revolutionary War 
held the office of registrar, in the court of admiralty. His 
office was on State Street, nearly opposite the old State 
House. On the eventful night in 1765 when the citizens 
of Boston, infuriated by the passage of the Stamp Act, 
sacked the house of Governor Hutchinson, the office of Mr. 
Story was also visited, and many valuable books and docu- 
ments were carried into the street and burned. Mr. Story 
subsequently took his residence with his sons in Marble- 
head. He died November 24, 1799, at the age of eighty 
years. 



346 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

On "Washington Street, near the head of State Street, the 
old Town House still stands where it was erected in 1728. 
What Faneuil Hall is to Boston, this old building is to Mar- 
blehead. Witliin its halloAved walls nearly every question 
of importance to the town, the State, or the nation, was dis- 
cussed by local orators for more than a century. It was 
here that Orne and Lee fired the hearts of their townsmen 
with their patriotic eloquence in the days of the Revolu- 
tion, and young Elbridge Gerry gave evidence of that abil- 
ity which made him a member of the Continental Congress, 
Governor of Massachusetts, and finally Vice-j)resident of 
the United States. 

Here, too, the famous Marblehead regiment was re- 
cruited ; and here the Sutton Light Infantry assembled on 
the stormy morning of April 16, 1861, and sent the first re- 
sponse to the call of the President for troops to preseiwe the 
integrity of the Union. In former years, the hall now used 
for public purposes was the town market, the town meet- 
ings being held in the room above. A public school was 
kept in the same room, and it was there that many of the 
most distinguished citizens of the town obtained the rudi- 
ments of education. 

The houses in this vicinity are among the oldest in Mar- 
blehead. Nearly all of them have been standing more than 
a century, and there are several of which an interesting 
story can be told. 

North of the town house, situated on the corner of Muof- 
ford Street, is the quaint old homestead of the Bowen 
family. Nathan Bowen, and three of his descendants, placed 
their signs over the door of this house and the store adjoin- 
ing, as " Justice of the Peace and Notary Public." Each of 
these dignitaries, in turn, held various important local offices, 
and all were men of marked intelligence and ability. 

In former years, a justice of the peace exercised the au- 
thority now vested in a trial justice. Petty offenders were 
brought before him for trial, and those whose crimes were 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 347 

of a more serious nature, were examined and put under 
bonds for appearance at a higher court. 

The records kept by Nathan Bowen, the first justice of 
that name, throw a curious light upon the criminal annals 
of the town. He held office under the colonial government, 
in the days when the stocks and the whipping-post were 
the dread of offenders. 

A. few extracts from these records, will, perhaps, be ap- 
preciated by the reader. 

" 1769 Ajjril 19. Mary Russell, wife of John Russell of 
Marblehead, Fisherman, having on the 27 day of June, A. D. 
1768, complained to me that the sd Russell, had, on the 
2oth, of June aforesaid, had stolen from him a pair of Cot- 
ton and Linnen Sheets, of the value of thirty shillings, the 
property of the sd. John, and praying for a warrant to 
search for the same and that the Thief may be brought to 
punishment. Cesar, a Negro man servant of William Peach 
was brought before me, and being examined, confessed that 
he stole the said pair of sheets from the said Russell on the 
Summer last past, and left them in the Dwelling house of 
Mary Messer on her Bed. 

" Its therefore ordered by me, the said justice, that the 
said Cesar be whipped Ten stripes on his naked back at the 
Public Whipping Post in Marblehead." 

" 1770 October 2d. John Bryant otherwise called Wise- 
man was brought before me, charged with profanely swear- 
ing in Marblehead, the twenty third day of September fore- 
going. Ordered, that the said John Bryant do pay a fine 
of five shillings to the poor of the town of Marblehead and 
stand committed till performed." 

" 1771 Ajyril 24th. Samuel Russell Gerry, and Francis 
Abbot, came before me and confessed that they were sev- 
erally guilty of unnecessarily walking on the last Sabbath 
Day in Marblehead contrary to Law. Whereupon its or- 
dered that they do each of them pay a fine to the poor of 
the town of Marblehead of Five Shillings and costs." 



348 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

" 1771 August 26. Samuel Lovis, of Marblehead, La- 
borer, being intoxicated and misbehaving him in my pres- 
ence in said Marblehead, contrary to the peace etc. Or- 
dered, that the said Samuel Lovis be committed to the 
Stocks in Marblehead and there kept from half past 3 till 
half past 5 of the clock, afternoon of this day, which was 
done accordingly." 

" 1772 November 24. John Sparhawk of Marblehead, 
Merchant, having this day complained to me the said jus- 
tice, against Elizabeth Petro and INIary Gallison of sd. Mar- 
blehead single women for stealing from the complainant Two 
Dozen Handkerchiefs, the said Elizabeth and Mary were 
brought before me and pleaded guilty. Its therefore ordered 
that they restore to the said John Sparhawk six pounds, 
being treble the value of the goods stolen ; and that Eliza- 
beth Petro be whipped Ten stripes on her naked back, and 
that the sd Mary Gallison pay a fine of Twenty Shillings to 
the King." 

On the eastern side of Washington Street, situated south 
of the town house, is the house which was formerly the resi- 
dence of Dr. Elisha Story, and in which his son Joseph 
Story, the distinguished jurist, was born. Doctor Story was 
an eminent physician and surgeon, who removed from Bos- 
ton to ]\Iarblehead in 1770. From that time until his death 
lie resided in the town. Li 1773, he was one of that 
" small band of sturdy revolutionists," who gave a prac- 
tical demonstration of the opposition of the colonists to 
the duty on tea, by boarding the ships laden with that 
article, and throwing their whole cargoes, amounting to 
about three hundred and forty-two chests, into the harbor 
of Boston. 

He was also one of the " Sons of Liberty," and was se- 
lected to disarm and gag one of the sentinels on Boston 
Common, on the night when the two brass field-pieces placed 
there by order of the British Commander-in-chief, were 
captured and taken over to Boston Neck. He performed 



OF MARBLEHEAD. .349 

this difficult and dangerous service in accordance with a 
plan preyiously arranged, and the affair was successfully 
conducted. 

" The two cannon played a distinguished part in the Rev- 
olution, and were the same afterwards described by the 
secretary of war in a representation to Congress, as two 
brass cannon, which constituted one moiety of the field artil- 
lery with which the late war was commenced on the part of 
America, and were constantly in service during the war, 
and upon which he was desired to affix a suitable inscrip- 
tion. On one of them therefore was inscribed, ' The Han- 
cock, sacred to Liberty ; ' on the other (which was the can- 
non taken by Dr. Story), ' The Adams.' 

During the Revolution Dr. Story was attached to Colonel 
Little's regiment as a surgeon. But it was common in the 
Continental army for the surgeons, and even the chaplains, to 
act as soldiers, and in most of the battles occurring during his 
connection with the army he was engaged. He fought at 
Concord and Lexington, pursuing the British troops at every 
step during their retreat to Charlestown, and was in the 
trenches as a volunteer at the battle of Bunker Hill, fight- 
ing beside his friend Warren during all the early part of the 
engagement, and until he was forced to abandon the duty of 
a soldier for that of a surgeon in removing and attending to 
the wounded." ^ 

On the opposite side of the street, near the corner of 
Pleasant Street, is the homestead of Edward Holyoke, the 
first pastor of the Second Congregational Church, afterward 
president of Harvard College. Here, on the first day of 
August, 1728, his son, Edward Augustus Holyoke, after- 
wards one of the most distinguished physicians in Massa- 
chusetts, was born. Dr. Holyoke graduated from Harvard 
College in 1746, and in 1749 began the practice of medicine 
in Salem. He was the first president of the Massachusetts 
Medical Society, and also president of the American Acad- 

^ Life and Letters of Joseph Story. 



350 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

emy of Arts and Sciences. He died in Salem, March 31, 
1829, having lived to the remarkable age of one hundred 
years and seven months. 

On the same side of the street, near the head of Darling 
Street, is the large brick house, once the home of Thomas 
Robie, the loyalist, of whose acts during the Revolution an 
account has been given in a previous chapter of this work. 
In later years the house became the residence of Major Jo- 
seph W. Green, who for nearly thirty years was one of the 
most enterprising merchants in the town. A few years after 
the close of the War of 1812, he engaged in business with 
Benjamin Porter, under the firm name of Porter & Green. 
In a short time this firm employed fourteen vessels in the 
fishing trade, besides brigs and packets which were sent to 
New Yoi»k and the West Indies. Their wharves and ware- 
rooms were filled with every commodity used in fitting out 
vessels for sea, and it is said that at one time they furnished 
seventy-five vessels with stores, anchors, cables, wood, and 
supplies of every kind necessary for a long voyage to the 
Banks. Through the influence of Major Green, the Grand 
Bank was established, and he was its first president. 

A short distance from Washington Street, on the eastern 
side of Hooper Street, the former residence of the " Hon- 
orable Robert Hooper, Esquire," is still standing. " King " 
Hooper, as he was called, was the wealthiest merchant in 
Marblehead, and one of the wealthiest in New England pre- 
vious to the Revolution. His ships sailed to every port of 
Europe and the West Indies, and his name and fame as a 
merchant extended to all the mercantile centres of the 
world. He lived in princely style for those days, and some 
of the highest dignitaries of the land were his frequent 
guests. His uniform courtesy and kindness, and his be- 
nevolence to the poor, endeared him to all, especially the 
people of Marblehead, by whom he was greatly beloved. 
The sobriquet " King," it is said, was given to him by the 
fishermen, not on account of his wealth, as is generally sup- 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 351 

posed, but because of bis bonor and integrity in deabng witb 
tbem. Tbey were ignorant men, and contrary to tbe prac- 
tice of some of tbe mercbants and sboremen, King Hooper 
was never known to cbeat tbem or to take advantage of tbeir 
ignorance. During the Revokition, Mr. Hooper was a loy- 
alist, and bis name was reported to tbe town as one of tbose 
" inimical to tbe cause of tbeir country." 

Tbe Lee Mansion, situated on tbe northern side of Wash- 
ington Street, is tbe best evidence that can be produced of 
the prosperity tbe town enjoyed during tbe years preceding 
•the Revolution. It was built in tbe year 1768, by Col. 
Jeremiah Lee, a wealthy merchant, and its original cost was 
over ten thousand pounds. It is said to have been one of 
the most elegant and expensively finished bouses in tbe 
British colonies, and, judging from its magnificent propor- 
tions, no one can doubt it. Its fine ball and stairway, and 
tbe paper made in England for the walls, still excite tbe ad- 
miration of all who visit tbe old bouse. It was here that 
Wasbington was entertained when be visited tbe town, and 
Lafayette was received on two occasions. Here, too, Presi- 
dent Monroe received tbe hospitality of tbe citizens ; and 
here Andrew Jackson shook the bands of the sturdy fisher- 
men, who almost worshiped tbe old hero, and were so true 
to him through life. 

On Tucker Street, opposite tbe bead of Mason Street, is 
tbe building formerly known as tbe Masonic Lodge. It was 
erected in tbe year 1822, by tbe Marblehead Free School 
Association, and originally contained two school-rooms and a 
large ball. Tbe ball was occupied by Philanthropic Lodge 
of Freemasons, which for many years was tbe oldest lodge 
of that order in tbe country. It was instituted in 1760, 
though its charter was not obtained until tbe year 1778. 
Many of tbe most eminent citizens of tbe town have been 
members of this order, and in former years it was a large 
and flourishing organization. 

The houses upon " Training-field Hill," or Washington 



352 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

Square, in the vicinity of the Common, were formerly the 
houses of opulent merchants and sea captains. The two con- 
sidered most noteworthy, however, are the Lee House and 
the Hooper House, both of which are on the northern side 
of the square, fronting the common. The first of these 
houses was built by Col. William R. Lee, of Revolutionary 
fame, who resided there after his return from the army until 
his removal from town. 

The Hooper House was built by John Hooper, Esq., one 
of the wealthiest of the merchants of Marblehead. Mr. 
Hooper was for many years the president of the Marblehead 
Bank, and his connection with that institution in the earlier 
years of its existence did much to establish its reputation as 
one of the most solid and reliable in the State. 

That which is of more especial interest concerning the 
house, however, is the fact that it was the birthplace of the 
Hon. Samuel Hooper, a son of the merchant. He was born 
February 3, 1808. In early life he removed to Boston, 
where he became an eminent merchant, and amassed a large 
fortune. His public life began in 1851, when he was elected 
a representative in the Massachusetts Legislature, and served 
three terms. In 1857, he was elected a member of the State 
Senate, where he distinguished himself by directing legisla- 
tion upon banking and finance. In 1861, he was elected a 
representative in Congress, to fill a vacancy caused b}'' the 
death of the Hon. William Appleton, and continued a mem- 
ber of that body until his death, which took place February 
14, 1875. While in Congress, Mr. Hooper was a member 
of several important committees, among them that on bank- 
ing and currency. His efforts in behalf of the bill provid- 
ing for the national banking system were such that Secre- 
tary Chase wrote a letter attributing ifcs success to his " sound 
judgment, persevering exertions, and disinterested patriot- 
ism." 

Near the western end of the " Training-field Hill," on the 
southern side of Washington Street, is the house formerly 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 353 

owned by Michael Bowden, another loyalist of the Revolu- 
tion. During tlie war, one of the loyalists who had made 
himself especially obnoxious to the citizens, fled to this house 
for protection. He was pursued, however, and the angry 
citizens surrounded the house and demanded admittance. 
Finding that no notice was taken of their demands, they 
forced an entrance and began a vigilant search. As they 
entered the sitting-room, they were confronted by Mrs. Bow- 
den, who exclaimed : " Gentlemen, I assure you the man 
you seek is not in this house. On my word and honor, I 
assure you he is not under this roof. If you persist in this 
unlawful business, this unprecedented conduct, you will 
cause the death of my daughter." As some of the persons 
present were aware of the illness of the daughter, the search 
was abandoned. The citizens had been truthfully informed. 
The man was not in the house nor under the roof, but he 
was on the outside of the roof, concealed behind a chimney. 
Having visited all the houses of especial interest on Wash- 
ington Street, let us pass to the Sewall Mansion, situated on 
Pleasant Street. This house was built a few years previous 
to the Revolution, by " King " Hooper, for his son Joseph, 
who resided there a short time. This was probably the 
same Joseph Hooper who was a loyalist during the Revolu- 
tion, and in the year 1775 fled from Marblehead to England, 
where he became a paper manufacturer. He died in that 
country during the year 1812. 

For some years after the close of the war, the house ap- 
pears to have had several occupants ; but in the year 1795 it 
was purchased by Chief Justice Samuel Sewall, who resided 
there until the time of his death. 

' In 1815 the estate was bought by the Hon. William Reed. 
Mr. Reed was born in Marblehead, June 6, 1776. He was 
for many years an eminent merchant in the town, and 
throughout his life was highly esteemed for his benevolent 
and religious character. In 1811, he was elected a repre- 
sentative in Congress, and remained in office until the year 



354 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

1815. He was president of the Sabbath-scliool Union of 
Massachusetts, and of the American Tract Society, and a 
member of many other rehgious and educational organiza- 
tions. He was so deeply interested in the cause of temper- 
ance that he was styled the " Apostle of Temperance." He 
died suddenly at Academy Hall, February 18, 1837, while 
preparing for a celebration by the Sabbath-school of the 
North Congregational Church. For many years after the 
death of Mr. Reed, the house was occupied by his widow, 
who " was always engaged in works of charity, and was re- 
garded as a most accomplished lady and eminent Christian." 

In 1856, the estate was bought by Mr. Joseph Harris, a 
prominent shoe manufacturer, and has since remained in the 
possession of his family. 

The " Watson House," situated on the hill at the head of 
Watson Street, was built by Benjamin Marston, Esq., who 
before the Revolution was an eminent merchant in Marble- 
head. He was a brother-in-law of " King " Hooper, and of 
Col. Jeremiah Lee, with both of whom he was associated in 
business as a partner. At the breaking out of the Revolu- 
tion he became an earnest loyalist, and was obliged to leave 
the country. After his departure the house was confiscated 
by order of the government, and subsequently became the 
property of his nephew, Marston Watson, Esq. That gen- 
tleman was born at Plymouth, May 27, 1756. " After re- 
ceiving an excellent school education, and being qualified 
for admission to the University, he was, at the age of four- 
teen, placed as an apprentice with Col. Jeremiah Lee. 
Upon the death of Colonel Lee, in 1775, Mr. Watson re- 
sumed his classic studies with an intention of entering 
college, and had actually made arrangements at Cambridge 
for that purpose ; but the Revolutionary War having then 
commenced, and Colonel Glover offering him a lieutenancy 
in his own regiment, Mr. Watson, reluctantly abandoning 
his literary pursuits, accepted the commission, and in the 
month of December, 1776, was actively engaged in the bat- 



OF MARBLEHEAD. . 355 

ties of Trenton and Princeton, in wbicli Glover's regiment 
bore so distinguished a share. He was particularly patron- 
ized by Gen. Charles Lee, and acted as his temporary aid- 
de-carap. General Lee had made arrangements for his per- 
manent establishment in that office, and he served in that 
capacity at the battle of Monmouth. But upon the suspen- 
sion of General Lee, his hopes of immediate promotion 
being checked, he relinquished the army, and engaged in 
commerce. His activity and industry were prospered. He 
married in 1779, and established himself at Marblehead. In 
1790 he was appointed Lieutenant-colonel of the Marble- 
head regiment, and in about three years after rds was 
Lieutenant-colonel Commandant. In 1794, when eighty 
thousand of the militia of the United States were provision- 
ally detached under the apprehension of a rupture with 
Great Britain, Colonel Watson was selected to command a 
regiment detached from the division to which he belonged." ^ 
In 1797, he removed from Marblehead to Boston, where he 
died August 7, 1800. 

Another house of great historic interest is that formerly 
known as the Prentiss House, situated on Mugford Street, 
near the corner of Back Street. It was built by Peter 
Jayne, who for many years was a noted school-master in the 
town. During the years immediately preceding the Revo- 
lution, the " Committee of Safety " held its meetings in a 
hall in the upper part of this house. The " Tuesday Even- 
ing Club," of which General Glover, Elbridge Gerry, Dr. 
Story, Colonel Lee, and other well-known citizens were 
members, also held its meetings there. After the death of 
Mr. Jayne, his wife married Joshua Prentiss, Esq., who for 
many years held the office of town clerk. During the 
time of his residence there, in the year 1791, the Methodist 
Church was oi'ganized in the old hall ; and for several years 
after the unmarried ministers of that denomination boarded 
in his family. In later years the house became the home 

1 Massachusetts Historical Collections. 



356 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

of Gen. Samuel Avery, a Brigadier-general of the Massa- 
chusetts militia. 

The house on the corner of Mugford and Back Streets is 
distinguished as the place where James Mugford and his 
wife went to "housekeeping" shortly after their marriage. 
On the opposite side of the street, near the Unitarian 
Church, stands the house where the dead hero was carried 
to his sorrowing young bride, and from whence he was 
borne to the grave. This house was the residence of Mr. 
John Griste, the father of Mrs. Mugford, and has always re- 
mained in the possession of the family. 

The small shop on Back Street, owned by Mr. Joseph 
Wormstead, is said to be one of the oldest buildings in town. 
It was formerly a dwelling-house, and there is an interest- 
ing tradition concerning it. One night in the early days of 
the settlement, it is said, this house was attacked by several 
Indians who clamored for admittance. The male members 
of the family were away at the time, and the only occupants 
of the house were three unprotected women. Finding that 
their assailants were likely to gain an entrance, one of the 
women opened a window, and seizing a pot of boiling por- 
ridge which was cooking over the fire, scattered it about in 
all directions. The Indians were not prepared for such a 
warm reception, and as they were all badly scalded, departed 
in great haste. 

The house on High Street, formerly the residence of the 
Cressy family, though not so old as those already men- 
tioned, is worthy of a place in this chapter. It was the 
birthplace of Capt. Josiah Perkins Cressy, who was widely 
known among merchants, through a long career, as a success- 
ful shipmaster and famous navigator. He was commander 
of the ship " Flying Cloud," in which he made a series of 
rapid voyages to China and the Pacific coast, and the two 
quickest passages on record from New York to San Fran- 
cisco. The most noted of these was in the year 1851, when 
the passage was made in eighty-nine days and twenty-one 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 357 

hours. The event attracted great attention, both in this 
country and in Europe, and it was entered in the archives at 
Washington that " Captain Cressy can challenge the annala 
of navigation, past and present, for an equal to the speed 
made in his quick passages." 



358 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 



CHAPTER XIX. 

FIKST CONGREGATIONAL CHUBCH. 

The history of this, the first church gathered in Marble- 
head, properly begins in the year 1684, though a public 
preacher, or religious teacher, had been supported in the 
town for many years previous to that time. 

On the 24th of May, 1684, as we are informed by the rec- 
ords, the people of Marblehead voted to invite Mr. Samuel 
Cheever, "who had been their minister for fifteen years and 
a half, to take the office of a pastor ; " and to organize 
themselves into a "particular society for the enjoyment of 
all the ordinances in this place as in other towns and places 
in this country." 

The church was organized on the 13th of August, 1684, 
with fifty-four members, nearly all of whom were dismissed 
from the First Church in Salem for the purpose. The or- 
dination of Mr. Cheever took place on the same day, with 
impressive ceremonies, " the whole work " being " counte- 
nanced with the presence of the deputy-governor, five of the 
assistants, and twenty elders with many ministers and young 
scholars, and many others." 

The Lord's Supper was administered for the first time on 
Sunday, October 5, of the same year. 

There is little information to be obtained from the records 
concerning the church and its pastor until the year 1714, 
when, in consequence of the advanced age and declining 
health of Mr. Cheever, it was voted to call an assistant. 
The concurrence of the town was obtained in the matter, 
and Messrs. John Barnard and Edward Holyoke, of Boston, 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 359 

and Amos Cheever, a son of the minister, were named as 
candidates. .Mr. Barnard received the vote of the church 
and the town for the position, but as the friends of Mr. Hol- 
yoke were unwilling to yield, the result was an exciting and 
bitter controversy. Finally, after several church meetings 
had been held in the vain attempt to settle the matter satis- 
factorily, the friends of Mr. Holyoke withdrew, and organ- 
ized the Second Congregational Church, calling Mr. Holyoke 
as their pastor. The First Church refused to send delegates 
to the council called to organize the new church, and sent 
an earnest protest to the legislature when a charter was 
applied for. 

Mr. Barnard took up his residence in Marblehead in the 
autumn of 1815, and was ordained on the 18th of July of 
the following year. "As the smiles of Providence were seen 
in the temperateness of the day," says the record, " so the 
solemnity was countenanced with the presence of several 
councillors, many ministers, and a vast assembly of people 
from all parts." 

The records of this church afford an evidence of the 
prosperity enjoyed by the people of Marblehead for many 
years previous to the Revolution. Many of the wealthiest 
citizens of the town were among its communicants, and large 
amounts of money were frequently contributed for chari- 
table purposes. On the occasion of a public fast, held July 
2, 1752, the sum of X166 was collected for the relief of the 
poor in Boston. Eight years later, another collection was 
taken for the relief of the sufferers by a great fire in Bos- 
ton, when the congregation responded in a manner equally 
as liberal and generous. 

On the 25th of August, 1762, the Rev. William Whitwell 
was ordained as assistant, and eight years later, upon the 
death of Mr. Barnard, he assumed the entire pastoral charge 
of the church. Mr. Whitwell remained with his people 
until removed by death, November 8, 1781. 

On the 1st of January, 1783, the Rev. Ebenezer Hubbard 



360 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

was ordained. His ministry covered a period of nearly eigh- 
teen years in duration, and ended at his death in the year 
1800. 

The next pastor was the Rev. Samuel Dana, who was or- 
dained October 7, 1801. During the thirty-six years of his 
labor, four hundred and eighty members were added to the 
church. In the year 1817, a Sunday-school was established, 
and during the same year a new bell was procured for the 
meeting-house by the voluntary contributions of the people. 

During the following year (1818) the chapel on Pearl 
Street was erected. 

In the year 1823, the old meeting-house having become 
unserviceable from its dilapidated condition, the proprietors 
voted to tear it down and to build a new edifice. Accord- 
ingly, in the year 1824 the stone church on Washington 
Street was erected. It was finished, and the services of ded- 
ication took place July 21, 1825. 

In 1832, the Rev. Samuel Cozzens was ordained as col- 
league to Mr. Dana, and remained five years, when both 
gentlemen resigned, and were dismissed by council at their 
own request. 

On the 30th of August, 1837, the Rev. Mark Haskell 
Niles was installed as pastor, and remained until November 
27, 1844. His successor was the Rev. Edward A. Lawrence, 
who was installed April 25, 1845. He resigned July 12, 
1854, to accept a professorship in the East Windsor Theo- 
logical Seminary. 

Shortly after the resignation of Mr. Lawrence, a call was 
extended to the Rev. Benjamin R. Allen, of South Berwick, 
Me., who accepted the pastorate, and was installed Novem- 
ber 8 of the same year. During his ministry, in the year 
1859, the church was divided by a serious controversy, which 
resulted in the withdrawal of about forty members, and the 
organization of the Third Congregational Church. 

In the year 1868, a " meadow lot " and two cow leases, 
belonging to the church, were sold, and the proceeds, together 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 361 

with donations from the Ladies Parish Society and others, 
amounting to about four thousand dollars, were applied to 
the purchase of a lot of land on High Street, and the erec- 
tion of a parsonage. 

Mr. Allen died suddenly June 2, 1872, and on the 3d of 
September, 1873, the Rev. John H. Williams was ordained 
as pastor. 

The Third Congregational Church, of which mention has 
been made, was organized September 28, 1858. Public ser- 
vices were held at Lyceum Hall every Sabbath, until Octo- 
ber 9, 1860, when a new house of worship, which had been 
erected on the corner of School and Essex Streets, was ded- 
icated with appropriate exercises. 

The pulpit was filled by the Rev. Francis Homes from 
April 22, 1860, to November 9, 1862, and by several other 
clergymen as supplies, until August 31, 1864, when the Rev. 
Theodore D. P. Stone was installed as the first pastor. Mr. 
Stone resigned September 25, 1867, and a call was extended 
to the Rev. Edward A. Lawrence, who was installed Novem- 
ber 19, 1868. He remained five years, and was succeeded 
by the Rev. Frank D. Kelsey, who was ordained July 7, 
1874, and resigned early in the year 1877. 

On the 25th of June, 1877, during the great conflagration 
which devastated a large portion of the town, the house of 
worship was destroyed. While the church was thus without 
a pastor and a church edifice, it was decided to disband the 
organization, and to accept an invitation from the members 
of the First Congregational Church to consolidate and unite 
with them. 

The First Church having increased largely in numbers by 
this accession of members, the chapel on Pearl Street was 
found too small for the accommodation of all who attended 
the prayer-meetings, and during the year 1878 a suitable 
building was erected on Washington Street, near the church. 
It was dedicated on Wednesday evening, March 12, 1879. 



362 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 



CHAPTER XX. 

ST. Michael's chuech. 

[The following sketch was written by the author for the 
columns of the " Boston Post," and is inserted in this work, 
substantially as it was published in that journal, July 1, 
1878.] 

From the earliest records, it appears that the church edi- 
fice used by the communicants of the Protestant Episcopal 
Church in Marblehead was erected in the year 1714, though 
the parish must have been gathered some years previous. 
The funds for the erection of the building were subscribed 
by thirty-three gentlemen, called in the records, " Bene- 
factors," who pledged themselves in various sums to the 
amount of £175. The list was headed by Col. Francis 
Nicholson, who subscribed ,£25, and the remainder was 
made up by various captains of vessels in sums varying from 
£12 to X2 each. The fund was afterward increased to 
£416, by the subscriptions of forty-five other persons, when 
a petition was sent to the "Society for the Propagation of 
the Gospel in Foreign Parts," then under 'the direction of 
the Bishop of London, asking that a minister might be sent 
" with all convenient speed, with the usual salary allowed 
their missionaries." 

The petition was forwarded at the hands of Col. Nichol- 
son, who was about to sail for England, and a letter was 
addressed to him in behalf of the society, signed by George 
Jackson, John Calley, and James Calley. The letter is 
dated November 27, 1714, and from it the most authentic 
information is obtained respecting the erection of the church. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 363 

The letter attests the deep love and veneration felt for Colo- 
nel Nicholson by the people, as is shown by the following 
extract : " Returning our Father and founder of the church . 
among us humble and hearty thanks for your generous be- 
nevolence towards erecting of said church." By this letter 
we learn that a meeting was held July 20, 1714, when 
choice was made of " Mr. George Jackson, Mr. John Olton, 
Capt. John Galley, and Gapt. James Galley, to be a Stand- 
ing Gommittee for the carrying on that affair in building a 
Handsome Ghurch." The subscribers obliged themselves 
to pay one third of their subscriptions when the timber and 
other utensils were on the spot, one third more when cov- 
ered, and the other third when the church was finished. 
Colonel Nicholson is informed in tjie letter that " the Gom- 
mittee erected and raised a church Sept. 2d, of the dimen- 
sions following, viz., 48 foot square, 23 foot had the Tower, 
being 50 foot from the Ground and 17 foot square, and we 
design the spire 53 foot above the Tower. October 16, 
the Ghurch being now enclosed and followed and the most 
part shingled and shut up we have agreed for finishing the 
whole, having all things in place. But the weather proving 
extreme hard has put us by at present, but hope by the 
blessing of God to compleat and finish the whole by the last 
of June ensuing at the furthest." The letter concludes by 
requesting the assistance, of Colonel Nicholson in procuring 
" an able Orthodox minister." The frame and all the ma- 
terials used in the construction of the building were brought 
from England, the reredos being brought entire in readiness 
to be placed in position. When completed it must indeed 
have been a beautiful little edifice for those times. The 
tower and main entrance were on the west side, and there 
was also an entrance on the south side. The building was 
covered by a roof of seven gables, supported by four large 
pillars of solid oak, rising from the ground. The pulpit 
was in the centre of the northern side. It was of the high, 
wine-glass pattern, with a sounding-board, and had a read- 



864 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

ing desk just in front of it. The chancel was in the centre 
of the eastern side, and behind the altar the reredos was 
placed, surmounted by the royal monogram or coat-of-arms 
of King George. The pews were of course of the pattern 
common to that time, square, with high backs. The ceiling 
was in the form of a St. Andrew's cross, corresponding to 
the form of the aisles. The original form of the roof can 
still be seen under the present peculiar shaped roof, which 
was made thus simply to cover the other when an addition 
was made in 1728. 

This rather minute description of the edifice as it ap- 
peared originally is given because, though it still retains 
many of its original features, the interior has been some- 
what changed in consequence of various repairs made from 
' time to time. 

The earnest efforts of Colonel Nicholson in behalf of the 
petitioners were not without avail, and on the 20th of July 
following, 1715, the Rev. William Shaw arrived in Marble- 
head with full credentials from the Bishop of London as 
the rector of the " Episcopal Church of England in Marble- 
head." The new rector had hardly time to settle down to 
his labors before a controversy arose in the town as to the 
right of the selectmen and assessors to tax the people of 
the Church of England for the support of the ministers of 
the Congregational churches. The officials claimed that ac- 
cording to the laws of the province the people were obliged 
to pay this tax, and they were determined to collect it. The 
churchmen were as strenuously determined not to " pay 
tribute to dissenters," and the result was an open and bitter 
quarrel, which at one time seemed fraught with disaster 
to the infant parish. 

At about this time the Second Congregational Society 
was organized. This new society seems to have been an- 
other source of trouble • to the struggling parish of the 
Church of England, for in a letter written to the secretary 
of the society which sent him to Marblehead, the Rev. Mr. 



OF MAEBLEHEAD. 365 

Sliaw accuses them of building a meeting-house " in damna- 
ble spite and malice against our church," as " some of their 
chief members have openly declared." Mr. Shaw also de- 
clares that " the persons thereto belonging are so inveter- 
ate against us that they omit no abuses nor indirect practices 
to seduce my people." It would seem, too, by the same 
letter, that every effort was made to suppress the growth of 
the church in Marblehead, not only by abusive language, 
but in some instances by downright persecution. 

The people of the little parish were, generally sj)eaking, 
poor, and consequently the repeated taxes levied upon them 
for the support of preachers not of their own communion 
was felt to be a great imposition, especially as in some in- 
stances estates were confiscated and held for the amount of 
the taxes. According tp the testimony of the rector and 
the church wardens and vestry, not only were parishioners 
of the church taxed for the support of the dissenting minis- 
ters, but even upon the first notice of their design to attend 
the church they were loaded down with heavy taxes. An 
appeal was made to Governor Shute for relief from this 
burden, and an order was issued from that official restrain- 
ing the selectmen and assessors from levying the tax, but 
to no avail. The order was contemptuously set aside and 
disobeyed by the town officials, and the tax was levied in 
defiance of the governor until some time after the close of 
Mr. Shaw's rectorship. Mr. Shaw closed his rectorship late 
in the year 1717, or early in the year 1718, the reason for 
which ajDpears in his memorial to the society, written in 
March, 1718. He says : " Having by the blessing of God 
and the kind assistance of our present Governor, Colonel 
Shute, obtained an exemption from the oppressions of the 
Natives, and all things seeming to favor our pious inten- 
tions, one Charles Johnson, Clerk of the said Church, con- 
trary to the canons thereof, sets up for an expounder and 
preacher of the Gospel. My hearers, generally speaking, 
being new converts, and having too many of them itching 



366 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

ears, are too subject to be led out of the way by bis seducing 
doctrine. This man's method did not only cause divisions 
and create great animosities among the members of the 
Church, inhabitants of the aforesaid town, but caused sev- 
eral to abstain from the communion and for some time re- 
frain the Church." After vainly endeavoring to dissuade 
the clerk from his proceedings, Mr. Shaw, after consulta- 
tions with the masters of sTaips and prominent men of the 
parish, decided to return to England and submit the matter 
to the society for decision, requesting that the " danger- 
ous seducer " might be "suppressed." What might have 
been the character of the doctrine preached by Mr. Johnson 
there is no means of knowing, nor is there any mention 
made in the records of such a difficulty with the parish clerk. 
No reference whatever is made in the records to the rec- 
torship of Mr. Shaw, except in one instance where his name 
appears as signing the records of a vestry meeting in 1717, 
though it is probable that the sixty-four baptisms and ten 
burials recorded in 1716 are his official acts. 

Mr. Shaw did not return from England, though it seems 
that it was not his intention to leave the parish destitute of 
a supply ; but the clergyman applied to evidently did not 
come to Marblehead for some time after the departure of 
the rector, if at all, for a letter written by the wardens and 
vestry some time after, states that they were expecting " a 
gentleman of this country." Probably the Rev. Christopher 
Bridges, to whom a call had been given, but who did not 
accept. 

The second rector was the Rev. David Mossom, who ar- 
rived, according to the records, in the "Ded of Winter," 
1718, the wardens and vestrymen being assessed twenty 
shillings apiece to defray his expenses. Mr. Mossom was 
the first person ordained presbyter for the American Colo- 
nies, and appears to have been eminently successful in his 
ministry at Marblehead. A short time after his settlement 
he reports that the church has considerably increased, the 



OF MAKBLEHEAD. 367 

number of commimicants being near double, " besides tbose 
brought in from the neighboring towns, and many more who 
would come were they not deterred by this effectual bar to 
the growth of the church, their being obliged to pay to the 
dissenting minister. 

The people being still taxed in defiance of the orders of 
the governor, Mr. Mossom made another appeal to His Ex- 
cellency, and also to the justices at Salem, to restrain the 
town officials. The churchmen were determined to resist 
the outrage, and the wardens and vestry voted that " if any 
person belonging to this church shall be destrained upon, 
either in body or goods, for the payment of the rate made 
for the support of Mr. Cheever, the dissenting minister, 
.... the vestry and all belonging to this church shall join 
together and pay whatever charge shall arise upon such dis- 
tress, and make all possible application for the relief of the 
person so destrained upon." The petition of Mr. Mossom 
had the desired effect, and another order was issued by the 
governor, which resulted in the exemption of churchmen 
from the tax by a vote of a town meeting convened for that 
purpose. 

In 1724 there were, according to the report of the rector, 
between seventy and eighty families in the parish, besides 
several negro slaves, who generally attended service with 
their masters. During Mr. Mossom's rectorship tv/o hun- 
dred and twenty-four persons were taxed for pews, the ma- 
jority of whom were fishermen. Services were held on 
nearly every fast day of the church, which were well at- 
tended, and the children were catechised every Friday and 
Sunday in Lent. The communion was administered every 
month, though perhaps not very conveniently, as the rector 
complains that the church has "neither communion table 
cloth nor pulpit cloth, and only one small cup for distribut- 
ing the wine, though the number of communicants was more 
than fifty." 

The records of the entire period of his rectorship are in 



868 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

Mr. Mossom s handwriting, and are attested by bis name 
after every entry. The first mention of a name for tbe 
cburcb is made about this time in a letter to Colonel Nichol- 
son, then governor of South Carolina, informing him that 
the church waits for him to name it. And the first mention 
of the church-yard as a burial-place is made in the last vote 
attested by Mr. Mossom, in which it is ordered that none 
save constant hearers shall be buried there, under a fine of 
five pounds. Mr. Mossom closed his rectorship in 1727, 
and went to New Kent, Va., and while there ofiiciated at 
the marriage of George Washington to the widow Custis. 
He died in 1767, at the age of seventy-seven years. 

The vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Mr. Mos- 
som was filled temporarily by a clergyman from Boston, and 
in 1728 the Rev. George Pigot was settled, for whom exten- 
sive preparations were Tnade. The sum of <£150 was raised 
for his salary, and the church building was enlarged by an 
addition of fifteen feet on the northern side, the land hav- 
ing been purchased of Mrs. Elizabeth Brown and Mrs. 
Hannah Le Gallais for that purpose. Mr. Pigot came to 
Marblehead from Providence, R. I., and in addition to his 
parochial duties, officiated every month at Salem, where in 
a short time he gathered a congregation of between two and 
three hundred persons. Finding it inconvenient to attend 
service at Marblehead, and Mr. Pigot's parishioners being 
unwilling for him to leave them on Sunday to preach at 
Salem, an earnest appeal was made to the Bishop of London 
for the establishment of a mission at that place, which, 
after being several times denied, was finally successful. 

In 1730, Mr. Pigot made what proved to be an unsuccess- 
ful attempt to regain a right to the Baronies of Morley. and 
Monteagle, to which he was an heir, and requested permis- 
sion to return to England to attend to the matter, which 
was evidently not granted. The records show that he re- 
ceived for his salary X125 per year, with whatever gold and 
silver is put in the contribution. During his rectorship, 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 369 

which ended in 1786, there are recorded 454 baptisms, 
among them four of his own slaves, 95 marriages, 145 
burials, and a list of 75 communicants. In going from the 
house of a poor and sick parishioner whom he had been 
visiting in the winter of 1736, Mr. Pigot fell on the ice and 
broke his left arm, which he refractured in the following 
summer. His health consequently became broken and he 
obtained leave to visit England, and died there, or on the 
passage. His wife probably never left Marblehead, as she 
was buried in the church-yard fifteen years after. 

During Mr. Pigot's rectorship in the year 1732, the hearts 
of his parishioners were made glad by the reception of a 
brass chandelier for the church, the gift of John Elbridge, 
Esq., collector of the port of Bristol, Eng., who also pre- 
sented an oil portrait of himself. The chandelier still hangs 
in its place, and is used on the evenings of festival days in 
illuminating the church. 

The Rev. Alexander Malcom was the next rector ; but, as 
there are no vestry records at all during his rectorship, little 
can be ascertained regarding him. He took charge of the 
parish in 1740 and remained nine years, when he resigned 
and went to Maryland. In 1745, a communion service of 
solid silver was presented to the church by Mr. David Le 
Gallais, as recorded on the flagon in Latin. This flagon 
weighs four pounds, and is still used. The paten has a 
later date, 1764, engraved on the under side. In a letter, 
dated July 30, 1745, Mr. Malcom reports that his people 
have kept clear of the disorders sown here by the enthusiast 
Whitefield who visited the town. The church, he says, " is 
composed of families from Great Britain and the Island of 
Jersey, brought up originally in the communion of the 
church. He speaks encouragingly of the fact that " several 
of the dissenters come now and then to church, who never 
were there before, and in great multitudes when I take any 
occasional sermons, which I hope will by degrees lessen their 
bigotry. Even their teachers come to church on these occa- 

2i 



370 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

sions." Mr. Malcom lived in peace and friendliness with all 
while in town, and in 1748 was married to Mary Reed, 
though the fact only is recorded, and the officiating clergy- 
man's name is not given. Mr. Malcom's official record is 
headed by the name " St. Michael's Church," the first time 
the name appears, though it had probably been given by 
Governor Nicholson some time before. 

After the resignation of Mr. INIalcom, the services of the 
church were conducted by the neighboring clergymen in 
Salem and Boston until the year 1753, when the Rev. Peter 
Bours was settled as rector. Mr. Bours was the son of 
Peter Bours, Esq., a member of the Council of the Province 
of Rhode Island. He graduated at Harvard University in 
1747. His ministry in Marblehead was eminently success- 
ful, and he endeared himself to all who knew him, both 
churchmen and dissenters. He died suddenly February 24, 
1762, and was buried in the church-yard, where his tomb 
may still be seen. The first mention of a glebe or rectory 
as being owned by the parish, is made in the records during 
his rectorship, though there is no indication of the time that 
it was erected. The first mention of an organ is also made 
in the records of this time, though there is nothing to show 
when it was purchased. 

For a year and a half the parish was without a rector, 
when the Rev. Joshua Wingate Weeks, who had been to 
London for ordination at the expense of the parish, assumed 
the rectorship. For some years the parish flourished under 
his care. A new gallery was built for the organ at the ex- 
pense of several energetic communicants, the parish was or- 
ganized into a corporation, a charter was obtained, and all 
things seemed to promise well for a prosperous future. But 
revolution was in the air, and for several years the constant 
excitement to which the sturdy men of Marblehead were 
subject began to have its effect upon the little parish. In 
1766, Mr. Weeks congratulates the Society at London upon 
the fact that Marblehead has elected the only churchman 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 371 

who sits in the General Assembly. But three years later 
there is a slight tinge of anxiety in his report, in regard to 
political matters which " embitter the minds of the people." 
He, however, reports the church as growing and on a better 
footing than ever. The spirit of liberty never animated a 
people more thoroughly than it did the people of Marblehead 
during the exciting times preceding and following the pas- 
sage of the Stamp Act by the Parhament of Great Britain. 
The utmost resistance was determined upon ; and while the 
churchmen themselves were hesitating between their love of 
the church and their hatred of tyranny, the overzealous 
Marbleheaders omitted no opportunity to denounce the 
Church of England as " nursing her children with milk un- 
friendly to the sons of liberty." Affairs went on in very 
much the same order until the latter part of the year 1770, 
when the celebrated Whitefield again appeared in Marble- 
head and fiercely attacked in " the most abusive language 
the church, the rector, and all belonging to it." This had 
the effect only to endear the church the more to its ever- 
faithful children ; but among its enemies who believed all 
that had been said, it created the most bitter hatred of its 
ordinances. Whitefield was followed by several others of the 
same class of enthusiasts, as we are informed by Mr. Weeks 
in another letter, and finally one Jayne, a communicant 
of the church, became a convert to their teachings. His 
enthusiasm in the new cause did not deter him from attend- 
ing the services of church, and it seems he disturbed the 
congregation while receiving the communion, because of 
some difference he had had with the clerk. For this reason 
he was forbidden by the rector to appear at the altar 
" unless he reformed and gave evidence of a better spirit and 
behaviour." This appears to be the only instance of any 
conversions among churchmen to the teachings of White- 
field and his followers, and in spite of the opposition it met 
with, the church held its own and seemed likely soon to be 
the richest congregation in town. In 1771, the door at the 



i 

372 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

"west side of the church was closed and a porch was built 
over the south door, which has been the only door used since. 
There is a tradition that a door was cut in the side of the- 
church to accommodate a stout gentleman who was too large 
to enter an ordinary pew-door, and this would seem to be 
substantiated by a vote of the parish recorded at this time : 
" That at present it is convenient to keep open the door 
leading into the garden belonging to the estate of the late 
William Bourne, Esq." 

The events of the few years following the breaking out of 
the American Revolution were of the greatest import to the 
congregation of St. Michael's Church. The rector of the 
neighboring church at Salem wrote home to the society : 
" Mr. Weeks is popular and has the esteem of all parties, 
and his diligence and prudent behaviour deserve it." But 
neither popularity nor prudence were sufficient to stem the 
tide of public opinion which was daily increasing against 
the British government, and consequently the prejudice 
against the church grew the more bitter and intense. Many 
of its members were strong in their opposition to the meas- 
ures of the government, but were equally as strong in their 
determination that the services of their mother church 
should be maintained. Every effort was made to allay the 
feeling of distrust, and the wardens and vestry directed that 
the church should be opened and services held on several 
occasions, appointed by the town authorities as days of fast- 
ing and prayei', but to no avail. There was not a town in 
the country where citizens were more patriotic than the 
men of Marblehead, and when, in 1775, the controversy be- 
tween the mother countr}'- and the colonies developed into a 
declaration of war, none sprang to arms more readily, or 
gave their lives more willingly in defense of their rights and 
liberties. Then, when the rector of St. Michael's Church 
avowed himself as a Loyalist, and openly advised his people 
to have nothing to do with the " rebellion," the indignation 
of the people knew no bounds. Several of the most trusted 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 373 

leaders of the people were communicants of tlie church, and 
the result was a hopelessly divided parish. Capt. William 
R. Lee, one of the most influential men in the town, was a 
staunch churchman and as staunch a patriot. Captain Tre- 
vett, who commanded a company at the battle of Bunker 
Hill, was also a churchman. These men and their asso- 
ciates counseled moderation, and endeavored to induce the 
rector to adopt a different course to preserve harmony in the 
parish. For a year or more after the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence the services of the church were regularly held ; 
but finally a law was passed by the Provincial Congress 
forbidding the use of the liturgy, and the rector, with the 
advice of the wardens and vestry, reluctantly closed the 
church. 

When the news of the Declaration of Independence was 
received in Marblehead, the joy of the people knew no 
bounds. Every demonstration of gladness was made, and in 
the height of the excitement a body of men broke open St. 
Michael's Church, pulled the coat-of-arms of King George 
from its place above the chancel, and rang the bell till it 
cracked. There was no mistaking the meaning of these 
demonstrations, and about a year after it was deemed the 
part of prudence to discontinue pubhc services till the 
troublesome times were over. Services were, however, con- 
tinued at private houses for some time, till the rector could 
no longer remain in town and was obliged to take refuge in 
Nova Scotia. The church remained closed for several years 
after the departure of Mr. Weeks, and was not again opened 
till February 6, 1780, when Mr. Woodward Abraham read 
prayers and a sermon. Mr. Abraham conducted the ser- 
vices for six years, receiving the contribution money for his 
services, and in 1786 the Rev. Thomas Fitch Oliver was 
settled as rector till 1791. Notwithstanding the troubles 
through which the church had passed, on the first visit of 
Bishop Seabury, in 1787, Mr. Oliver was enabled to present 
one hundred and twenty candidates for confirmation. 



874 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

Mr. Oliver was succeeded by the Rev. William Harris, 
who had for several years been teaching at the Marblehead 
Academy, and for some time officiated in the church as lay 
reader. He was ordained at the request of the wardens 
and vestry in 1791. Mr. Harris remained in Marblehead 
eleven years, and his ministry was eminently successful. He 
resigned in 1802, and went to New York, and afterwards 
became president of Columbia College. 

The next rector was the Rev. James Bowers, who re- 
mained nine years and was succeeded by Rev. John P. K. 
Henshaw, who remained one year. He was afterward 
Bishop of Rhode Island, being consecratd August 11, 1843: 
For four j^ears after the resignation of Mr. Henshaw, there 
was no rector save the Rev. Joseph Andrews, who officiated 
for four months, and then resigned to become a missionary 
in a foreign field. 

In 1818 the Rev. Benjamin Bosworth Smith became rec- 
tor, but so reduced had the parish become that it was im- 
possible for him to remain, and he resigned the following 
year. Dr. Smith was afterward consecrated Bishop of Ken- 
tucky, and is now Presiding Bishop of the United States, 
being the oldest in the country. St. Michael's was his first 
parish, and he has always entertained a warm affection for 
it, and his name is held in veneration by the parish. For 
several years after the resignation of Mr. Smith the old 
church was closed and the communicants despaired of its 
ever being opened for liturgic services again. In 1821, the 
glebe, which had for many years been owned by the parish 
as a home for its rectors, became hopelessly involved and 
was sold to pay off the parish debts. At about this time 
the Channing movement was at its height in the Congre- 
gational churches of New England. The pastor of the 
Second Congregational Society became a convert to the 
new doctrine, and many of his people who were firm in 
their love of the faith as taught by the Puritan fathers, left 
the society. Among the more influential of those who 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 375 

withdrew was the Hon. William Reed, who looked with 
covetous eyes on the old church of St. Michael's. Mr. Reed 
bought pews, became a proprietor and vestryman of the 
church, and finally induced a sufficient number of proprie- 
tors to join with him in a petition to the Massachusetts 
Legislature for a repeal of the old charter, and to re-char- 
ter the church as a " Congregational Meeting-house." But 
several of the old proprietors did not consent to this pro- 
ceeding, among them Dr. Drury, an old and influential ves- 
tryman, and Captain Trevett, an old sea-captain. These 
men were determined that the church should not be taken 
from its ancient parish without a stubborn fight to prevent 
it. The aid of the Rev. Mr. Carlisle, of Salem, was obtained, 
and he, with the bishop of the diocese, went before the 
legislature and protested against the proposed change, and 
through their efforts the petition was denied. Thus the old 
church was preserved for the use of coming generations 
who desire to worship according to its ancient and time- 
honored liturgy. 

This attempt to alienate the church from its ancient 
usage infused new life into the communicants. Their slum- 
bering energies were now fully aroused, and with the kind 
assistance of Rev. Mr. Carhsle, of Salem, services were once 
more held in the church. The records contain little infor- 
mation as to the years following for some time, other than 
the occasional records of vestry meetings. The Rev. Lot 
Johns officiated as rector for a short time in 1823, the Rev. 
Thomas S. W. Mott from 1825 to 1827, and from that time 
till 1831 the church was again closed. The Rev. Joseph H. 
Price became rector in 1831 and remained over a year and 
a half, and was succeeded by the Rev. George V. C. East- 
man, who was settled in July, 1832, and remained till Sep- 
tember, 1833. During his rectorship the services were held 
for some months in Academy Hall, while extensive repairs 
and alterations were made in the church. The old square 
pews were removed and slip pews were put in, the chancel 



376 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

was removed to the nortliern end, witli the pulpit and read- 
ing desk on either side, — the pulpit on the west and the 
readmg desk on the east side of the church. Since that 
time the interior of the edifice has not been altered, except 
that it has several times been painted and frescoed. The 
succeeding rector was the Rev. William H. Lewis, who 
assumed the rectorship in 1833 and remained seven years. 
Under his charge the church attained a degree of prosperity 
such as it had not known for years, and Mr. Lewis endeared 
himself personally to a large number of friends. There are 
hundreds living to-day in Marblehead who dwell fondly on 
the memory of his rectorship. Perhaps no better evidence 
can be given of his work than the fact that during his min- 
istry eighty-five persons were confirmed, the largest number 
known since 1787. Mr. Lewis was followed by the Rev. 
John P. Robinson, who was rector from 1840 to 1842, and 
was succeeded by the Rev. Moses P. Stickney, who was or- 
dained priest in the church September 14, 1842. During 
Mr. Stickney's rectorship the chapel, which stands at the 
western side of the church, was erected, at the expense of 
the ladies of the Parish Aid Society. 

In July, 1847, the Rev. N. P. Tillinghast took charge of 
the parish, but resigned on the 1st of November following. 
His successor was the Rev. Edward Ballard, who was called 
in 1848, and remained three years, giving place to the Rev. 
John B. Richmond, in 1851. Mr. Richmond was one of the 
most successful and popular rectors the parish ever had. 
Under his charge the parish increased in numbers, and the 
church was in a most prosperous condition. He closed his 
rectorship in 1859, and in 1860 the Rev. Edwin B. Chase 
became rector. Of all the rectors the old parish has had 
the memory of none is cherished with more sincere affection 
than that of this saintly clergyman. He remained six 
yeai's, and was succeeded by the Rev. William R. Wood- 
bridge, a native of Marblehead, who for four years labored 
zealously and resigned from ill health in 1871. For a year 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 377 

or more the parish was again without a rector, when a 
unanimous call was extended to the Rev. John Wickliffe 
Leek, who accepted the rectorship. Without exception Mr. 
Leek was, undoubtedly, the most influential rector the 
parish has ever had. When he took charge of the parish, in 
1872, the church stood on no street, and could only be 
reached by an alley-way twelve feet wide, running up from 
Washington Street, by the side of the back yards of private 
residences, one of which was a large tenement house, which 
almost entirely shut the church from view. The back yard 
and out-houses of this house were directly in front of the 
church door, and were a constant source of annoyance to the 
worshipers. During the very first year of his rectorship 
Mr. Leek worked earnestly to secure the removal of the 
building, and his efforts being seconded by an influential 
and zealous layman of the parish, who freely gave his time 
and money in aid of the project, the requisite amount of 
money was soon raised, and the estate was purchased in 
January, 1873. The following summer the house was re- 
moved, the ledge of rocks on which it stood was blasted 
away, and a fine lawn and driveway were laid out. During 
the same year two ladies of the parish, who had ever mani- 
fested their devotion to the church in good works, purchased 
an estate adjoining, and erected an excellent rectory, which 
they presented to the parish as a memorial of their mother, 
Mrs. Eunice Hooper. Mr. Leek remained with the parish 
but a few months after the rectory was finished, being 
obliged to close a pastorate so fruitful in good works on 
account of his rapidly failing health. 

In the spring of 1875 the Rev. Julius H. Ward became 
rector. During the great conflagration in Marblehead, June 
25, 1877, the roof of the church caught fire, and the build- 
ing seemed doomed to destruction. A young man, named 
Thomas Gorman, succeeded in gaining a foothold upon it 
from a house adjoining, however, and while Mr. Ward held 



378 THE mSTORY.AND TRADITIONS 

Lim by a rope, secured in the belfry, lie reached a point 
where he was able to extinguish the flames. 

Mr. Ward resigned in January, 1878, and at Easter of the 
same year the Rev. William R. Harris, the present incum- 
bent, was elected rector. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. • 379 



CHAPTER XXI. 

SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH (UNITARIAN). 

The organization of this church was occasioned by a con- 
troversy in the First Congregational Church concerning the 
settlement of a colleague to the Rev. Samuel Cheever. In 
December, 1714, the First Church, with the concurrence of 
the town, voted to call the Rev. John Barnard, and on the 
5th of February, 1715, one hundred and twenty-four per- 
sons, who favored the settlement of the Rev. Edward Hol- 
yoke, withdrew from the society, and pledged themselves in 
an agreement to contribute the necessary funds for the erec- 
tion of a " New Meeting House." 

The edifice was completed during the latter part of the 
year, and on the 25th of April, 1716, the Second Congrega- 
tional Church was organized, with twenty-seven members, 
who were dismissed by council from the First Church. 

The ordination of Mr. Holyoke took place on the same 
day. On the 25th of July, 1737, after a pastorate of twenty- 
one years, he resigned, and accepted the position of presi- 
dent of Harvard College, to which he had been elected. 

The second pastor was the Rev. Simon Bradstreet, who 
was ordained January 4, 1738. He continued his ministe- 
rial labors until May 1, 1771, when the Rev. Isaac Story 
was ordained as colleague. Upon the death of Mr. Brad- 
street, which occurred October 5 of the same year, Mr. Story 
assumed full pastoral charge of the church, and continued 
in that position until February 4, 1802. 

On the 22d of June, 1803, the Rev. Hezekiah May was 
ordained as pastor. He remained five years, and then re- 



380 l^HE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

signed " on account of an unhappy difficulty between him- 
self and the society." 

The succeeding pastor was the Rev. John Bartlett, who 
■was ordained May 22, 1811. The pastorate of Mr. Bartlett 
was probably the most eventful of any iu the entire history 
of this church. During the great religious excitement caused 
by the Clumning movement in the Congregational churches 
of New England, Mr. Bartlett announced his belief in the 
doctrines of Unitarianism as preached by Mr. Channing and 
his followers. The result was a serious controversy, during 
which many of those who differed with the pastor withdrew 
from the church and society. A majority of the communi- 
cants supported Mr. Bartlett in his teachings, however, and 
the churcli has ever since been Unitarian. 

During the year 1832, the old house of worship was torn 
down and a new church edifice was erected. It was dedi- 
cated with appropriate exercises, January 2, 1833. 

Mr. Bartlett died in February, 1849, and in October of 
the same year the Rev. Benjamin Huntoon became pastor. 
Mr. Huntoon resigned July 15, 1855, and from that time to 
the year 1860 the church was without a pastor, the services 
being conducted by clergymen who were engaged tempo- 
rarily. 

On Tuesday, June 5, 1860, the Rev. Samuel R. Calthrop 
was ordained, the sermon being delivered by the Rev. James 
Freeman Clarke, of Boston. Mr. Calthrop resigned June 
1, 1864, and in February, 1866, the Rev. James Henry Wig- 
gin became pastor. He remained about eighteen months, 
and was succeeded by the Rev. William B. Buxton, who was 
installed August 9, 1868. During the pastorate of Mr. Bux- 
ton, the church edifice was extensively repaired, several im- 
portant alterations being made in the interior. 

Mr. Buxton resigned February 1, 1872, and on the 1st of 
January, 1873, the Rev. Benjamin H. Bailey was installed. 
During the year 1875, the parsonage on Elm Street was 
erected. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 381 

On the night of June 25, 1877, during the great confla- 
gration, the roof of this church caught fire from falling 
cinders. The flames were extinguished, however, by Mr. 
Thomas J. Lecraw, who, being unable to force an entrance 
to the church, with great presence of mind climbed to the 
roof on a lightning rod. The noble act was appreciated by 
the members of the society, and they subsequently presented 
him with a gold watch in grateful recognition of his valu- 
able services. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUECH. 

Jesse Lee, the pioneer of Methodism in New England, 
preached the first Methodist sermon in Marblehead during 
the month of Ju'y, 1790, and in the latter part of that year 
took the town in his circuit. He was evidently tendered 
the use of the Second Congregational Church for his ser- 
vices, as on the 28th of June, 1791, it is recorded, that the 
Methodist bishop preached at the "New Meeting House." 

The exact date of the organization of the church cannot 
be ascertained, but it is said to have been during the year 
1791 or 1792, in the house of Mr. Joshua Prentiss, on Mug- 
ford Street. Preaching services were held at the house of 
Mr. William Martin, on Darling Street, and on the 30th of 
April, 1793, the Rev. Jesse Lee opened a room in the house 
of Mr. James Bowler, on Lee Street, for public services. On 
Thanksgiving day (November 8) of the same year, the Rev. 
Ezekiel Cooper held a ser\'ice in this room in the Bowler 
house, and baptized a child, who was given the name of 
Ezekiel Cooper. 

In the year 1801, the first chapel was erected on the 
rocks at the head of Rockaway Street, and was used as a 
place of worship until the erection of the present church edi- 
fice in 1833. The chapel was then converted into a dwell- 
ing-house, one-half of which has since been used as a parson- 
age. 

In the year 1859, during the pastorate of the Rev. A. M. 



382 



THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 



Osgood, several important alterations were made in the in- 
terior of the church. In the autumn of 1879, a new en- 
trance was made at the front of church, the vestry-room was 
thoroughly refitted, and several other improvements were 
made. 

The following are the names of the pastors : — 



1794, Jonathan Rexford. 

1795, .James Coval. 

1796, George Cannon. 

1797, John Broadhead. 

1798, Supplied. 

1799, Andrew Nichols. 

1800, Joshua Wells. 

1801, George Pickering, 
Thomas F. Sargent. 

1802, Epaphras Kibby. 

1803, Dauiel Webb. 

1804, Reuben Hubbard, 

1805, Dauiel Batchelder. 

1806, Alfred Metcalf. 

1807, Philip Muuger. 

1808, David Batchelder. 

1809, William Hunt. 

1810, Thomas Asbury, 
Alex McClain, 

1811, Erastus Otis. 

1812, Nathan B. Asbcraft, 
Stephen Bailey. 

1813, William Hinman. 

1814, Benjamin Hazleton. 

1815, Benjamin F. Lambord. 

1816, Solomon Sias. 

1817, W. Marsh, O. Hines. 
1818-19, Jesse Filmore. 

1820, Zalmon Stuart. 

1821, Jotham Horton. 



1822, Henry Bulfinch. 

1823, James P. Harvey. 

1824, Jesse Filmore, 
T. W. Tucker. 

1825, Benjamin Jones. • 

1826, Henry Mayo. 

1827, Nathan B. Spaulding. 

1828, Selah S. Stocking. 

1829, Nathan Paine. 

1830, Darius Barker. 

1831, George Sutherland. 

1832, Newell S. Spaulding. 
1833-4, Epaphras Kibby. 

1835, George Pickering. 

1836, Hector Brownson. 

1837, Charles Noble. 

1838, Abraham D. Merrill. 
1839-40, Edward Otheman. 
1841-2, James Mudge. 

1843, Stephen G. Hiler. 

1844, J. S. J. Gridley. 
1844-6, William Rice. 
1847-8, William Smith. 
1849-50, George Dunbar, 

Leonard Austin. 
1851-52, F. I. Barrows. 
1853-54, Ichabod Marcy. 
1855-56, Augustus F. Bailey. 
1857-58, Moseley Dwight. 
1859-60, A. BI. Osgood. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 383 

1861-62, W. A. Braman. 1873-74-75, Linus Fish. 

1863-64, C. L. McCurdy. 1876-77, J. A. Bartlett. 

1865-66-67, Barthemew Othe- 1877 to AprU, 1878, 

man. W. E. Dwight. 

1868-69-70, Z. A. Mudge. 1878, J. W. Dearborn. 
1871-72, W. D. Bridge. 



384 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 



CHAPTER XXII. 

BAPTIST CHTIRCH. 

This church was organized February 28, 1810, with 
twenty-one members, who were regularly dismissed from the 
First Baptist Church of Salem for the purpose. The first 
church edifice purchased for the society was a house of wor- 
ship on Watson Street, known as the " Rock Meeting-house," 
which had formerly been used by a society of Hopkinso- 
nians. 

On the 15th of July, 1811, the Rev. Ferdinand Ellis, who 
had supplied the pulpit for about fifteen months, was installed 
as the first pastor. In September, 1817, INIr. Ellis resigned, 
and in April, 1818, the Rev. Herbert Marshall was installed. 
He resigned September 30 of the same year, and shortly 
after took orders in the Protestant Episcopal Church. 

The next pastor was the Rev. Isaac Kimball, who was or- 
dained March 10, 1819. He resigned September 20, 1820. 
After the resignation of ]\Ir. Kimball, the church was with- 
out a pastor about two years, during which time services 
were conducted by Mr. Isaac Story, Jr., a licensed preacher. 

In November, 1822, the Rev. INIatthew Bolles became pas- 
tor, and continued until July 3, 1825. His successor was 
the Rev. Samuel Adlam, who was settled August 10, 1827, 
and remained four years. 

On the 26th of April, 1831, the Rev. Bela Wilcox was 
installed. During the brief period of his ministry, a new 
church edifice was erected on Pleasant Street. It was dedi- 
cated during the month of February, 1832. On the 12th 
of April, of the same year, Mr. Wilcox resigned. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 385 

The next pastor was the Rev. Avery Briggs, who was set- 
tled September 14, 1832, and resigned May 16, 1834. His 
sviccessor was the Rev. Nathaniel Hervey, who was installed 
October 17, 1834, and remained nearly two years. 

On the 1st of September, 1837, the Rev. Dudley C. 
Haynes was ordained. He resigned in March, 1839, giving 
place to the Rev. Hervey Fitz, who was settled July 5, of 
the same year. After a pastorate of two years, Mr. Fitz 
resigned, and in March, 1841, the Rev. M. M. Dean was in- 
stalled. The pastorate of Mr. Dean covered a period of 
more than four years, ending in December, 1845. The next 
pastor was the Rev. Zenas P. Wild, who was settled in 
June, 1846, and resigned in March, 1848. 

On the 1st of December, 1848, the Rev. George W. Patch 
was settled. His ministry was eminently successful, and for 
twenty-six years he continued as a faithful shepherd among 
this people. 

On the 5th of February, 1867, the church edifice was de- 
stroyed by fire. During the same year, another house of 
worship was erected on the same site, which was dedicated 
December 28, 1868. 

In September, 1874, Mr. Patch resigned, and on the first 
day of September, 1875, the Rev. John Harris Barrows was 
ordained. He remained three years, and was succeeded by 
the Rev. George W. Gardner, D. D., who was installed 
April 29, 1879. 

UNTVEESALIST CHURCH. 

Early in the month of January, 1886, several gentlemen, 
who were believers in the doctrines of Universalism, sub- 
scribed a small amount of money for the purpose of procur- 
ing the services of a preacher of that denomination. The 
first service was held at Franklin Hall on the 31st of the 
same month, when the Rev. Benjamin Whittemore officiated. 

On the 3d of February, 1836, a society was organized, 
and measures were taken for the erection of a house of wor- 

25 



386 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 

ship. Services were regularly held on the Sabbath at 
Fraiikliu Hall until March 1, 1837, when the church edifice, 
which had been erected on the corner of Pleasant and Wat- 
son streets, was dedicated. 

On the 18th of October, of the same year, the Rev. Abra- 
ham Norwood, who had been preaching for the society about 
three months, was ordained as the first pastor. During the 
ministry of Mr. Norwood, on the 22d of June, 1839, a 
church was organized, by the adoption of a " confession of 
faith and form of church government." 

The history of this church for many years was simply a 
record of severe struggles for existence. The pastorates of 
its ministers were very short, and the society found it a hard 
matter to raise an amount of money sufficient to pay the 
annual expenses. But with brave hearts the members bore 
up under every difficulty, confident that their efforts would 
at length be crowned with success. 

In January, 1862, in consequence of the civil war then in 
progress, the church edifice was closed, and was not again 
opened for services until May, 1863. 

In 1870, important alterations were made in the house of 
worship, and a commodious vestry-room was made in the 
basement. 

In August, 1871, the Rev. Harrison Closson became pas- 
tor. During his pastorate, which has been the longest of 
any in the entire history of the society, 450 persons have 
been baptized, and 150 members have been added to the 
church. 

The following are the names of the pastors of this 
church : — 

Rev. Abraham Norwood. Ordained October 18, 1837. 
Resigned September 22, 1839. 

Rev. Henry Bacon. Settled January 27, 1840. Resigned 
February 5, 1842. 

Rev. Joseph P. Atkinson. Settled April, 1842. Resigned 
August 3, 1845. 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 387 

Rev. Alfred Peck. Settled June 9, 1844. Resigned Au- 
gust 3, 1845. 

Rev. Robinson Breare. Settled August 31, 1845. Re- 
signed January, 1849. 

Rev. E. Case, Jr. Settled June 10, 1849. Resigned Au- 
gust 24, 1851. 

Rev. Z. Cook. Settled October 19, 1851. Resigned, 
1853. 

Rev. E. P. Button. Settled May 14, 1854. Resigned 
June, 1856. 

Rev. Stillman Barden. Settled June 22, 1856. Resigned 
June, 1861. 

Rev. E. B. Bruce. Settled August 2, 1863. Resigned 
May, 1865. 

Rev. F. D. Kitteridge. Ordained September 24, 1865. 
Resigned April 1, 1867. 

Rev. William G. Haskell. Ordained September, 1868. 
Resigned October, 1868. 

Rev. C. G. Tucker. Settled August 1, 1869. Resigned 
1871. 

Rev. Harrison Closson. Settled August, 1871. 



388 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

CHUECH STAR OF THE SEA. 

Though there had been Roman Catholics in Marblehead 
for many years, there was no attempt to have a celebration 
of the mass in town until the year 1851. During'that year, 
the Rev. Thomas Shehan, pastor of St. James Chm'ch, Sa- 
lem, visited the town, and celebrated mass in the house of 
Mr. Dennis Donovan, on the corner of Prospect and Com- 
mercial streets. Father Shehan afterwards came to Marble- 
head twice a year for the purpose of hearing confessions and 
administering the Holy Communion, the services being held 
alternately at the house of INIr. Donovan and that of Mr. 
John Mahoney, on Glover Square. 

With the exception of these visits of Father Shehan, 
there were no services of the Roman Catholic Church in 
Marblehead until the year 1854, when Anderson's Hall, on 
Pleasant Street, was engaged, and mass was celebrated there 
on the second and third Sundays of every month. In 1857, 
services were held at the town hall, and during that year 
about one thousand dollars were raised by subscription for 
the erection of a church edifice. A lot of land on Prospect 
Street was bought as a site for the building, and the balance 
of the money was loaned to the Roman Catholics of Glouces- 
ter, who were about to build a church. 

In 1859, a small church was built, and services were reg- 
ularly maintained under the superintendence of Father She- 
han, who officiated himself, or procured the services of other 
priests. 

In November, 1865, Father Shehan gave notice that he 



OF MARBLEHEAD. 389 

had been appointed to the charge of another parish, and re- 
quested the people to make an effort, before he left them, to 
pay an indebtedness of $800 which they owed on the church 
building. On the day appointed for receiving contributions, 
every man in the congregation left his seat, as his name was 
called, and placed his offering upon the altar. When the 
offerings were counted, they were found to amount to $820. 
more than enough to cancel the entire debt.i 

The parish was afterwards placed in charge of the Rev. 
Charles Rainoni, who officiated several years at Peabody, and 
celebrated one mass every Sabbath at Marblehead. In 1872, 
he took up his residence in Marblehead, and became the first 
regular parish priest in charge of this church. 

In 1868, the parish bought a lot of land on the road be- 
tween Marblehead and Salem, which was consecrated for use 
as a cemetery. 

Early in the year 1872, a new church edifice was erected 
on Gregory Street, and on the 8th of July of the same year 
it was burned to the ground. Fortunately the old church 
building had not been removed, and services were held there 
as usual. 

A short time after the destruction of the new church, a 
house was erected on the same site for the use of the pastor. 

Father Rainoni died in 1875, and was succeeded by the 
Rev. Daniel S. Healey. During the pastorate of Father 
Healey, the church edifice has been entirely remodeled, and 
is now the handsomest to be found in the town. 

ADVENT CHUECH. 

During the year 1840, Elder J. Litch officiated in the 
Methodist Church, which was the first time the doctrine 
of the second coming of Christ, as taught by the Advent 
Church, was preached in Marblehead. Elders Edwin Burn- 
ham and Elam Burnham afterwards held services at the 

1 For much of the information contained in this sketch, the author would 
respectfully acknowledge his indebtedness to Mr. Edmund O'Keeffe. 



390 THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS OF MARBLEHEAD. 

house of Mr. John Reynolds, on Darling Street. Social 
prayer-meetings were regularly held by a few believers until 
the year 1854, when Elder John Hook held a series of meet- 
ings in Lyceum Hall. As a result of his labors, eight per- 
sons were converted and baptized. 

The first Advent Church in Marblehead was organized in 
January, 1872. It was composed of eight members, and for 
two years and three months worshiped at Rechabite Hall. 
During this time the pulpit was supplied by ministers chiefly 
of the Massachusetts Advent Christian Conference, and so- 
cial prayer-meetings were held from house to house on sev- 
eral evenings of each week. In 1874, the church decided 
to change its place of worship, and a hall was procured near 
the centre of the town, on Pleasant Street, in which services 
have since been regularly held. 

The first pastor, Elder John F. Clothey, was settled in 
April, 1874, after having been ordained to the ministry by 
the Massachusetts Advent Christian Conference. 



ADDENDA. 

The following items of interest were copied from a journal kept 
by Mr. Edward Bowen, and were obtained after this work was in 
press, when too late for insertion in the proper place. 

1779, September 30. At about half-past seven this evening, a sad 
accident happened. The armed brig Freemason being all 
fitted for a cruise, took fire, and about eight she blew up, and 
did a vast deal of damage to the houses. Several more pri- 
vateers were dismantled. 

1780, January 8. Blew very hard last night, and as cold as I ever 
knew it. Harbor froze over as far down as Skinner's Head, 
last night, and this forenoon it froze from Skinner's Head to 
Nick's Cove. 

9th, This morning froze as far as the point of the Neck. 

16th. Ice gone out of the harbor as far as Skinner's Head. 

23d. The harbor frozen over, and the upper part has been so for 

three weeks. All the vessels frozen in. 
28th. Harbor frozen over so that people pass and re-pass to the 

Neck. 
1780, February 1. Harbor all frozen over as far as the fort, and 

passable for cart and oxen. I measured the ice from the head 

to the New Wharf, eight inches thick on an average, as far 

over as the Neck. 
6th. This day the church was opened by the proprietors, and Mr. 

Abraham read prayers and a sermon, which was generally liked 

by all. 
9th. Ice on this side the harbor gone from Skinner's Head quite 

down the harbor. 
11th. Ice all out of the harbor. 
18th. Last night the Thorn, Captain Waters, arrived from a cruise, 

having had a smart engagement, in which five men were killed 

belonging to this town, namely, Samuel Blackler, Benjamin 

Stacey, Ramsdell, William Green, and Joseph Cross. 



APPENDIX. 



GLOVER'S MARBLEHEAD REGIMENT. 

A ROLL of the field, staflf, aud company officers, non-commis- 
sioned officers and soldiers in the Twenty-first Regiment of Foot, 
in the service of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, commanded 
by Col. John Glover. 

FIELD AND STAFF OFFICERS. 

Colonel, John Glover. 

Lieutenant-colonel, Gabriel Johonet. 

Major, William Lee. 

Adjutant, Caleb Gibbs. 

Surgeon, Nathaniel Bond. 

Surffeo7i's Mate, Nathaniel Harrington. 

Quartermaster, Joseph Stacy. 

Company One. 

Captain, Joel Smith. 
Lieutenant, John Bray. 
Ensign, Joshua Orne. 
Ensign, Thomas Fosdick. 

Sergeants. 

Ebenezer Griffin, Thomas "Wilkston, 

John Lewis, Thomas Elkins. 

Corporals. 

Robert Barnes, Robert Girdler, 

Benjamin Thompson, Drummer, 
John Griste, Fifer. 



APPENDIX. 



393 



Privates. 



William Thompson, 
John Sweetlaud, 
Wm. Brimblecome, 
John Dove, 
William Sedgebard, 
John Legrow, 
Thomas Allen, Jr., 
John Iladler, 
William Dixey, 
Richard Gear, 
Peter Daniels, 
John Green, 
Edward Casey, 
Thomas Laskey, 
Anthony Ferdinand, 
John Horn an, 
John Lovis, 
Joshna Orne, 
John Davis, 
Cornelius Thompson, 



Joseph Wadden, 
Jona. Thompson, 
Abram. Sothard, 
Joseph Paine, 
William Perry, 
Benjamin Dennis, 
George Watson, 
William Nutting, 
William Dimond, 
Robert Newhall, 
Robert Bray, 
Thomas Allen, 
Richard Pedrick, 
Robert Hooper, 
Joseph Curtis, 
Robert Curtis, 
Richard Craft, 
Ely Turner, 
John High, 
Christopher Oaks. 



Company Two. 

Captain, William Blackler. 
Lieutenant, Nathaniel Clark. 
Second Lieutenant, Nathaniel Pearce. 



Sergeants. 



John Day, 
Nathaniel Hartshorn, 



Thomas Barker, 
John Melvell. 



Corporals. 

James Eberns, Andrevp- Lacky. 

John Thompson, Drummer. 
Benjamin Gardner, Fifer. 



394 



APPENDIX. 



Privates. 



David Emery, 
John Strokes, 
Francis Kennel, 
Joseph Prockter, 
George Standley, 
Nathaniel Story, 
Joseph Pearce, 
John Freeto, 
William Millett, 
James Quilby, 
Nathaniel Dodd, 
Philip Greely, 
Benjamin Johnson, 
Amos Damon, 
Benjamin Brown, 
David Osborn, 
Samuel Snow, 
Samuel Thompson, 
Nicholas Gifford, 
"William Quiner, 
Stephen Morse, 
John Gallison, 
Nathaniel Ramsdell, 
Benjamin Boden, 
John Widger, 



Philip Cram, 
Benjamin Marston, 
Richard Brimblecome, 
John Clathing, 
Thomas Mann, 
William Smith, 
Richard Teller, 
William Dane, 
William Mathews, 
John Cartright, 
Thomas Oliver, 
Samuel Stearns, 
Samuel Bridgeo, 
James Wood, 
Nathaniel Soto, 
Joseph Tucker, 
Jacob Oliver, 
Joseph Widger, 
John Kelly, 
Manuel Seward, 
John Richardson, 
William Brown, 
Benjamin Lindsey, 
John Quiner. 



Company Three. 

Captain, John Merritt. 
Lieutenant, Joshua Prentiss. 
Ensign, Robert Nimblett. 



Sergeants. 



George Wells, 
John Clark, 



William Bartlett, 
Nathaniel Fowler. 



APPENDIX. 



395 



Corporals. 
John Roach, Peter Harman. 

Moses Picket, Dnimmer, 
John Wells, Fifer. 



Privates. 



John Ball, 
George Murry, 
Edward Renouf, 
Edward Dorr, 
Peter Melzen, 
Peter Sine, 
Samuel Goes, 
Thomas Laskey, 
John Murry, 
John Malcolm, 
Daniel Mervy, 
John Savage, 
Ebenezer Burrell, 
James Trefry, 
William Pedrick, 
George Cash, 
Nathaniel Renouf, 
Thomas Woodbridge, 
Lewis Gruff, 
Thomas Doliber, 
Thomas Davis, 
Joseph Wiggin, 
Peter Doliber, 
Joseph Hovey, 



Allen Hubbard, 
Nicholas Grater, 
William Shirley, 
Thomas Dennis, 
Benteman Reed, 
John Wooldridge, 
Elias Grant, 
James Andrews, 
William M. Ilasett, 
Henry White, 
Samuel Lewis, 
Thomas Taut, 
Richard Brown, 
John Foot, 
John Nimblett, 
James White, 
John White, 
William Richards, 
James Topham, 
Thomas Lake, 
Hamlet Merritt, 
John Murry, 
William Laskey, 
John Baker, 



John Brown. 

Company Four. 

Captain, J. Selman. 
Lieutenant, J. Collier. 
Ensign, Edward Homan. 



396 



APPENDIX. 



Sergeants. 
Ambrose Homan, Ebenezer Legro, 

Benjamin Doak, Philip Carroll. 

Corporals. 

Richard Marstin, Edward Scows. 

Drummer, John Scott. 



Privates. 



John Bowden, 
Thomas Lefavour, 
Jacob Waitt, 
Joseph Batcheler, 
Thomas Salkins, 
John Savage, 
Thomas Mase, 
John Felton, 
Ephraim Chambers, 
John Doliber, 
Elias Bowden, 
John White, 
James Cash, 
John Cash, 
Thomas Samson, 
William Richards, 
Hugh Ellis, 
Benjamin White, 
Samuel Ashton, 
William Curtis, 
William Woodbridge, 
Thomas Bridgeo, 
Samuel Humphrey, 
Amasa Hubbard, 



Nathaniel Doliber, 
John Russell, 
Jonatiian Deacons, 
James Trefry, 
John Lacy, 
William Bean, 
John Pousland, 
Samuel Felton, 
Michael Doake, 
Thomas Doliber, - 
Richard Ireson, 
Samuel Thompson, 
John Forrester, 
James Tooly, 
John Stacy, Jr. 
Richard Curtis, 
Noah Bray, 
David Mason, 
John Harris, 
John Laskey, 
John Ashton, 
John Thompson, 
Thomas Brimblecom, 
James Antone. 



Company Five. 

Captain, Thomas Simonds. 

First Lieutenant, William Russell. 

Second Lieutenant, George Sinecross. 



APPENDIX. 



397 



George "Wendell, 
William Hawks, 



Sergeants. 



Corporals. 



John Goss, 



Nathaniel Brown, 
Samuel Getchel. 



William Chaple. 



Drummer, William Blackler. 



Privates. 



Peter Severy, 
Joseph Buttis, 
Francis Hipenstall, 
William Daniels, Jr., 
William Chaple, 
Jonathan Davis, 
Isaac Wadden, 
Joseph Griffin, 
Charles Goodwin, 
Elias Brian, 
John Green, Jr., 
William Thomas, 
William Parsons, 
Eobert Wall, 
Peter Fundy, 
S. Symons, 
George Tishue, 
Samuel Beal, 
Samuel Grant, 
Francis Grater, 
Richard Lapthorn, 
William James, 
John Lank, 
Benjamin Andrews, 

Thomas 



John Green, 
Richard Wall, 
Nicholas Picket, 
William Davis, 
Thomas Ilorton, 
Benjamin Shaw, 
Edward Pepper, 
John Symonds, 
Michael Oglebe, 
John Bath, 
Edward Bowden, 
John Dipper, 
Jona. Howard, 
Micah Breed, 
Enoch Jarvis, 
Henry Harrison, 
William Daniel, 
John Posey, 
Benjamin Dennis, 
John Foster, 
Joshua Getchell, 
William Thorner, 
Nicholas Girdler, 
Jacob Yelton, 
Mullet. 



398 



APPENDIX. 



CoMPANT Six. 
Captain, Nicholas Brougliton. 
First Lieutenant, John Stacey. 
Second Lieutenant, John Devereux. 



Matthew Chambers, 
Daniel Mears, 



Sergeants. 



Corporals. 



John Huston, 
James Dulap, 



W. H. Reynolds, 
Samuel Coffran. 



Hector McNeal, 
Nehemiah Brooks. 



Drummer, Hugh Raynor. 



Privates. 



Squire Baker, 
J. Blair, 
Thomas Burn, 
George Bruce, 
Samuel Boden, 
Thomas Brown, 
Edward Brooks, 
J. Bryan, 
Ebenezer Allen, 
J. Carter, 
Samuel Chapman, 
Benjamin Childs, 
"William Johnson, 
Francis Jones, 
J. Laskey, 
J. Laptham, 
Ebenezer Lathe, 
Francis Lyons, 
Benjamin Lovis, 
Thomas Mebrand, 
William Mercer, 
William Prosser, 



William Childs, 
Simon Caswell, 
Jeremiah Duly, 
Mich. Joseph Dyer, 
Joseph Tassington, 
Thomas Tallett, 
James Girdler, 
William Green, 
Charles Holbrain, 
Philip High, 
Philip Hooker, 
James Gifford, 
Joseph Searle, 
J. Sharp, 
J. Tucker, 
James Tucksbury, 
Joshua Widger, 
J. Williams, 
Thomas Jones, 
Thomas Waddicks, 
J. Ramsdell, 
William Widger, 



APPENDIX. 



399 



Charles Pearce, 
Thomas Proctor, 



J. Bennet, 
Richard Moncrief. 



Company Seven. 

Captain, William Courtis. 
Lieutenant, Robert Harris. 
Ensign, Thomas Courtis. 



Sergeants. 



Samuel Clemens, 
James Foster, 



Mason Harris, 
Ezekiel Chever. 



Cwporals. 

Henry Gibbs, Josiah Goodrich. 

Drummer, Samuel Bowden. 



Privates. 



Asa Mclnth-e, 
David Marston, 
John Peach, 
George Wippen, 
James Lap thorn, 
John Gibbons, 
Elkanah Hitchings, 
James Ball, 
Samuel Peach, 
Michael Gurney, 
Andrew Richards, 
Samuel "Webber, 
Josiah Chase, 
Emanuel Perrygreed, 
Ambrose Grandy, 
Thomas Ratford, 
Alexander Lang, 
William Burrows, 
William Cathson, 
John Poor, 
John Gillard, 



James Welch, 
John Chapman, Jr., 
Thomas Jones, 
George Clark, 
Alexander Buckingham, 
Stephen Gott, 
John Woodbridge, 
Benjamin Girdler, 
Michalar Melzard, 
Thomas Drew, 
Joseph Widger, 
John Caswell, 
Francis Cavendish. 
Daniel Maley, 
William Orne, 
Robert Spitlea, 
John Chapman, 
Lewis Gray, 
Ebenezer Hanover, 
Richard Curtis, 
Samuel Parsons, 



400 



APPENDIX. 



John Frost, 
John Chaple, 
Thomas Gould, 
Thomas Ellis, 



John Chambers, 
John Laffin, 
Lawrence Blake, 
Thomas Hooper. 



Company Eight, 



Captain, "William Bacon. 
First Lieutenant, William Mills. 
Second Lieutenant, Seward Lee. 

Sergeants. 

Winthrop Sargent, Nathaniel Hitchings, 

James Hitchings, John Owens. 

Corporals. 

John Jackson, Robert Smith. 

Drummer, John Anthoine. 



Privates. 



James Wilson, 
Philip Meservy, 
Samuel Le Groe, 
Thomas Gail, 
Robert Laskey, 
David Florance, 
Thomas Fuller, 
William Dixey, 
James Valentine, 
George Phillips, 
George Rush, 
Amos Bennet, 
Jacob Selman, 
Jonas Newall, 
John Hammett, 
Benjamin Mountforth, 
Sylvester Davis, 
Peter Lo^is, 
John Traill, 



William Caswell, 
Christopher Bubier, 
Andrew Smith, 
John Stej^hens, 
Benjamin Deveraux, 
Wm. Messervy Phillips, 
William Stone, 
Joseph Pope, 
Amos Hitchings, 
John Bezune, 
F'rancis Goss, 
Manuel Seward, 
Thomas Garuey, 
Thomas Lewis, 
Richard Nick, 
John Gilbert, 
Wm. Worster, ' 
John Curtis, 
Samuel Gutridge, 



APPENDIX. 



401 



"William Caswell, Jr. 
David Stephenson, 
Thomas Neal, 
Peter Newall, 
William Mason, 



Thomas Birdway, 
Samuel Caswell, 
Clement Newall, 
John McColly, 
Thomas Cloan, 



William Calb. 

Company Nine. 

Captain and Colonel, John Glover. 
First Lieutenant, Joshua Orne, Jr. 
Second Lieutenant, Edward Archibald. 



Sergeants. 



John Bowden, 
Moses Lefavour, 



John Allen, 
Nicholaa Newbury. 



Corporals. 

George Breed, Thomas Savage. 

Drummer, Thomas Trefry. 
Fifer, Thomas Fosdick. 



J^rivates. 



James Hall, 
Moses Stacey, 
John Landy, 
Richard Strikes, 
Richard Webber, 
Thomas Burch, 
Philip Grush, 
Graves Standley, 
John Tishew, 
John Lawrence, 
David Cross, 
John Roads, 
John Bridles, 
William Crowell, 
Roger Vickery, 
Stephen Raglan, 

26 



James Dennis, 
John Howard, 
James Lyons, 
Jolm Murry, 
Manuel Sanders, 
Samuel Glover, 
Emanuel Doliber, 
David Poor, 
Peter Martin, 
Wadden William, 
John Moore, 
Thomas Nichols, 
Thomas Dimond, 
Samuel Ashton, 
John Trush, 
Joseph M. Lavasue, 



402 



APPENDIX. 



Thomas Husen, 
John Brock, 
George St. Barbe, 
Nathaniel Stacey, 
Moses Murry, 
Jonathan Glover, 
William Nicholson, 



Benjamin Trefry, 
Richard Proctor, 
John Chapman, 
Anthony Lewis, 
James Williams, 
Romeo, a negro, 
Edward Glover. 



Company Ten. 

Captain, Thomas Grant. 
First Lieutenant, William Bubier. 
Second Lieutenant, Ebenezer Graves. 

Sergeants. 

Jonathan Bartlett, Stanford Flack, 

John Lefavour, Richard Goss. 

Corporals. 

John Bubier, Benjamin Gardner. 

Drummer, Philip Fallett. 



Privates.. 



Josiah Nichols, 
Alexander Green, 
William Wiley, 
Joseph Candish, 
John Dimond, 
Thomas Pons, 
Benjamin Bradford, 
Benjamin Bartholomew, 
William Hay, 
William Howard, 
Philip Florance, 
John Cakes, 
Jacob Smallwood, 
Samuel Hawley, 
Henry Paine, 
Samuel Persons, 



William Bartlett, 
John Orne, 
John Petron, 
John Besom, 
Merritt Brimblecom, 
Joseph Mason, 
J. Smith Bullett, 
John Bishop, 
Samuel Beal, 
Bartholomew Lynch, 
James Nowland, 
Richard Thompson, 
John Pickett, 
Lawrence Bartlett, 
Richard Tutt, 
John Grant, 



APPENDIX. 



403 



Thomas Taggett, 
John Liorne, 
John Conway, 
Michael Trefry, 
Robert Swan, 
Samuel Turner, 
Thomas Felton, 



John Patten, 
Samuel Vickery, 
Samuel Cox, 
Peter Knaps, 
John Fowler, 
Thomas Fallett. 



The whole number of men in the regiment was 584, all of whom 
were from Marblehead except Captain Symons, Nathaniel Brown, 
Benjamin Shaw, Edward Pepper, John Symons, and Jonathan 
Howard, who were of Danvers, and Enoch Jarvis, of Lynn, in the 
Fifth Company. The regiment was called* in the army the " Ma- 
rine Regiment," and " Glover's Marblehead Regiment." 



REVOLUTIONARY PRISONERS OF WAR. 

The following list of Marblehead sailors confined in Old Mill 
Prison, England, during the Revolution was copied by permission 
from a manuscript journal kept by William Russell, of Boston, who 
was private secret xry to Commodore Manly on board the ship Jason. 

Taken on board ship Sturdy Beggar's Prize, of Salem. 
Philip Messervey, committed 1777, ran away. * 

On board brig Freedom's Prize. Taken April 29, 1777. 



Thomas Brown, ran away. 
Jacob Sayer, ran away. 
Josejih Striker, exchanged. 
Nathaliiel Stacey, exchanged. 
Joseph Majory, exchanged. 
William Brown, exchanged. 



James Lyons, exchanged. 
John Dimond, exchanged. 
Stephen Dennis, exchanged. 
Christopher Codner, exchanged. 
Eli Vickery, died in prison. 



On board brig Fancy, of Newbury. Taken August, 1777. 
John Lee, Captain, ran away. Joseph Barker, ran away. 



Robert Stephenson, Lieutenant, 
ran away. 



Thomas Barker, ran away. 
John Lio, ran away. 



404 



APPENDIX. 



Thomas Meek, ran away. 

Francis Salter, ran away. 

Andrew Slyfield, ran away. 

Robert Swan, ran away. 

John Swan, ran away. 

James Valentine, died in prison. 

Elias Hart, died in prison. 

William Laskey, 

William Pickett, 

John Lecraw, 

Samuel Whitrong, 

William Cole, 

Joseph Cox, 

Samuel Cox, 

Michael Trefrie, 



Jacob Vickory, 
Samuel Hawley, 
Samuel Beal, 
Thomas Horton, 
Jonathan Bartlett, 
Edmund Bowden, 
John Adams, 
Robert Brown, 
Nicholas Thom, 
Robert Peirce, 
Benjamin Marston, 
Skillings Brooks, 
Nicholas Girdler, 
Richard Goss, 
Caeser Bartlett (colored). 



On board schooner Hawk's Prize, of Newbury, 1777. 



Benjamin Leach, 
Abiel Lee, 

Moses Stacey, 



Thomas Widger, 
Thomas Knowson. 



On board sloop Black Snak^. 
Capt. William Lecraw, commander. Taken August, 1777, ran away. 

On board schooner True Blue, of Marblehead. 
Capt. Peter Faneuil Jones, ran away. 

On board prize of brig America. Taken November 19, 1778. 



Richard Neagles, 
George Pike, 
Philip Trasher, 
John Lapthorn, J ^ 



Entered on 
)■ board British 

s. 



Francis Messervey, ran away. 
Thomas CoUyer, exchanged. 



On board ship Oliver Cromwell's Prize. Retaken 
June, 1779. 

William Chadwell. 

On board ship Pilgrim's Prize. 
Edward Jeboe. 



APPENDIX. 405 

On board ship Jason. Taken September 30, 1779. 
Capt. John Manly. 

On board brig Monmouth, op Salem. Taken October 2, 1779. 

John Stacey, ") Shipped on board a 
Nathaniel Dodd, ) British man-of-war. 

On board brig Rambler, of Salem. Taken October 21, 1779. 

Abram Quiner, Edward Hiller, 

John Green, Edward Hiller, Jr., 

Samuel Gale, Henry Johnson. 

On board brig Terrible, of Marlehead. Taken 
September 1, 1780. 

Capt. John Conway, Commander. William Bladder, 
John Roundey, John Down. 

John Lewis, 

On board ship Hannibal, September 18, 1780. 
John Fisher, John Coventry, 

Thomas Martin, died in prison. 

On board ship Roebuck, of Salem, October 16, 1780. 
William James. 

On board brig Hackett and John, of Salem, 
November, 1781. 

Joseph Pedrick. 

On board ship Franklin's Prize, May 1, 1781. 

Thomas Low, Jotn Orrock. 

On board brig Eagle, February 7, 1782. 

Thomas Dennis. 

On board brig Black Prince. Taken October 11, 1781. 

Richard Girdler, ^ohn Smith. 



406 



APPENDIX. 



On board prize to ship Detain. Taken December 7, 1781. 
Lewis Girdler. 

On board ship Grand Turk's prize. Taken 
November, 24, 1781. 

Frank Barker, John Garcy, 

William Arbuckle, William Seal, 

Thomas Clark, John Lefford, 

Henry Neal, George Read, 

John Frenday, John Semmons. 

On board snow Diana, of Beverly. Taken June 15, 1781. 
Francis Ellis, , Benjamin Crafts. 

On board ship Hercules, op Boston. Taken October 9, 1781. 
Capt. Thomas Dizmore. Thomas Wooldredge. 

On board ship Jason, of Salem. Taken October 10, 1781. 
William Tucker, William Vickery. 



THE MARBLEHEAD ROLL OF HONOR. 

The following list of the citizens of Marblehead who lost their lives in defense of 
the Union during the Civil War, we are permitted to use by the courtesy of the 
compiler, Mr. William H. Wormstead. 



First Heavy Artillery. 

PLACE OF DKATH. 

William Hunt Co. A, Petersburg . 

Francis Freto Co. A, Petersburg. 

Francis Joseph Co. A, New York . 

Nath. R. Blaney, Lieut . . . Co. F, Washington 

George B. Bartlett, 1st Sergt., Co. G, Petersburg . 

Peter Crowley, 1st Sergt . . Co. G, Philadelphia 

William P. Lecraw, Sergt . . Co. G, Andersonville 

Thomas Cox, Sergt . . . Co. G, Andersonville 

William S. King, Corp . . . Co. G, Savannah , 

Charles E. Roache, Corp. . . Co. G, Annapolis . 

Edwin S. Rundlett, Corp. . . Co. G, Cold Harbor 

Andrew Colford Co. G, Fort Albany 

Eben Colyer Co. G, Andersonville 

Moses P. Graves Co. G, Andersonville 



DATE OF DEATH. 



10th .June, 
17th June, 
31st Aug., 
9th Julj', 
22d June, 
12th July, 
28th Aug., 
20th Oct., 
4th Oct., 
9th Dec, 
2d June, 
'15th Jan., 
16th Sept., 
22d June, 



1864. 
1864. 
1804. 
1864. 
1804. 
1864. 
1804. 
1864. 
1864. 
1864. 
1864. 
1864. 
1864. 
1864. 



APrENDlX. 



407 



Richard Prior . . . 
John Sandwich . . 
Nicholas Twisden 
Samuel H. Doliber . 
Samuel J. Goodwin . 
William H. Johnson 
Robert McCiilly . . 
William Tiudley . . 
Andrew Maddison . 
Arehelaus S. Ross . 
Benjamin F. Roundey 
Wilson H. Russell, 3d 
John H. Savory . . 
Archibald Sinclair . 
David Steele . . . 
Benjamin B. Swasey 
Philip A. Sweet, Jr. 
William B. Sweet . 
Burrill Witham . . 
Charles E. Lyon . . 
Michael B. Graves . 
John Ragan, Jr. . . 



Co. G, 
Co. G 
Co. G 
Co. G 
Co. G 
Co. G 
Co. G, 
Co. G 
Co. G 
Co. G 
Co. G 
Co. G 
Co. G 
Co. G 
Co. G, 
Co. G 
Co. G 
Co. G 
Co. G, 
Co. G: 
Co. M, 
Co. M 



Andersonville . 
Andersonville . 
Andersonville . 
Florence, S. C 
Fort Albany . 
Spottsylvania . 
Spottsylvania . 
Spottsylvania . 
Petersburg . . 
Petersburg . . 
Beverly, N. J. 
Florence, S. C. 
Fort Albany . 
Sumpter . . 
Florence, S. C. 
Marblehead 
Washington . 
Charlestown . 
Florence, S. C 
Petersburg . . 
Marblehead 
Washington . 



William Bessom , 
Nicholas Bessom 



Second Heavy Artillery. 
. . Co. H, Andersonville . 
. . Co. H, Andersonville . 



Third Heavy Artillery. 
William F. Doliber .... Co. C, Washington . . . 
William Brown Co. H, Andersonville . . . 

Fourth Heavy Artillery. 

George W. Ramsdell . . . Co. A, Fort Williams . . . 

Bartholomew Cahill .... Co. A, Fort Barnard . . . 

• 

First Massachusetts Cavalry. 

Alexander S. Standley, Jr Washington . . . 

Fifth Massachusetts Battery. 
Thomas P. Atkins Portsmouth Grove . 

Twenty-fifth Michigan Regiment. 
Oliver Chinn Co. G, Bowling Green, Ky. 

Sixty-third New York Regiment. 
Peter Welsh Co. E, Gettysburg . . . 

Nineteenth Indiana Regiment. 
Samuel M. Goodwin, Sergt. . Co. I, Portsmouth Grove . 



18th Sept. 


1864. 


8th Oct., 


1864. 


2Gth Sept., 


1864. 


12th Nov., 


1864. 


14th Sept., 


1861. 


19th May, 


1864. 


19th May, 


1864. 


19th May, 


1864. 


22d June, 


1864. 


16th June, 


1804. 


31st Oct., 


1864. 


8th Dec, 


1864. 


31st Oct., 


1862. 


18th Aug,, 


1864. 


4th May, 


1864. 


IGth July, 


1804. 


12th Nov., 


1804. 


3d Oct., 


1864. 


5th Feb., 


1864. 


22d June, 


]864. 


31st Dec, 


1864. 


5th July, 


1864. 


26th Sept., 


1864. 


3d Sept., 


1864. 


10th Sept., 


1864. 


26th Aug., 


1864. 


21st Feb., 


1865. 


22d Jan., 


1865 


29th Sept., 


1862 


25th Aug., 


1864. 


30th March 


1863. 


3d July, 


1863. 


4th Nov., 


1864. 



408 APPENDIX. 

First California Regiment. 
Daniel B. Haskell, Capt. . . Co. K, Fort Craig, New Mexico, 8th May, 18G5. 

First Massachusetts Regiment. 
William A. McCormick . . Co. G, Washington . . 

Second Regiment. 

Robert C. Cahill Co. C, Cedar Mountain . 

John Hines Co. C, Cedar Mountain . 

William Donovan .... Co. C, Washington . . 
Thomas Brown Co. H, Antietam . . . 



Eighth Regiment, M. V. M. 

William E. Philips, Corp. . Co. C, Boston .... 

James Keith Co. C, Baltimore . . . 

Nicholas Bartlett, Jr. ... Co. C, Baltimore . . . 

John Grant Co. C, Boston .... 

Edward Smethurst .... Co. B, Baltimore . . . 

Michael Hennessy .... Co. B, jrarblehead . . 

John H. Butmuu Co. C, Marblehead . . 

Ninth Regiment. 

William Peachy Co. H, Wilderness . . 

John R. Goss Co. G, Laurel Hill . . 

Eleventh Regiment. 

John Ingalls Co. K, Falmouth, Va. . 

Daniel S. Millett Co, E, near Gettysburg . 

Twelfth Regiment. 
William H. Bartoll, 2d . . Co. K, Washington . . 

Fifteenth Regiment. 
John Sullivan Co. I, Washington .... «16th Dec, 1803. 

Sixteenth Regiment. 

John H. Woodfin, 1st Lieut. . Co. F, Wilderness .... 6th May, 1864. 

Nathaniel S. Gilley .... Co. B, Beverly Ford, Va. . . 16th Sept., 180.3. 

George Jon«te Co. C, Richmond 27th Dec, 1864. 

Richard W. Chapman ... Co. F, Chancellorsville ... 3d May, 1803. 

Seventeenth Regiment. 

Francis H. Rathburne ... Co. D, New York 12th April, 1865. 

Charles H. Flint Co. G, Newbern 10th Nov., 1862. 

Michael Casey Co. H, Andersonville .... 2d Aug., 1864. 

Nineteenth Regiment. 
Peter Collins Co. G, Antietam 17th Sept., 1862. 



2d Dec, 


1862. 


9th Aug., 


1862. 


9th Aug., 


1862. 


28th Aug., 


1862. 


17th Sept., 


1862. 


10th July, 


1863. 


2d Nov., 


1864. 


17th July, 


1863. 


22d July, 


1863. 


10th July, 


1803. 


31st Aug., 


1801. 


21st Nov., 


1864. 


4th Blay, 


1864. 


12th May, 


1864. 


17th Feb., 


1863. 


11th July, 


1863. 


1st July, 


1864. 



APPENDIX. 



409 



Twentieth Eegiment. 



Michael McCoy . 
Jacob H. Alley . 
Joseph H. Collyer 
Gardner Goodwin 
Richard S. Gardner 
Robert Grieve . . 
Thomas Oliver . 
Thomas Kelley . 



Co. 


G, 


Washington . 


Co. 


H, 


Washington . 


Co. 


H, 


Poolesville, Md. 


Co. 


H, 


Georgetown, Va 


Co. 


H, 


Alexandria ; 


Co. 


H, 


Savage Station 


Co. 


H, 


Andersonville . 


Co. 


A, 


Gettysburg 



26th Aug., 


1862. 


12th March 


1862. 


15th Nov., 


1861. 


6th Jan., 


1863. 


9th Oct., 


1863. 


Gth July, 


18631 


21st Oct., 


1864. 


3d July, 


1863. 



John Donovan 



Twenty-first Regiment. 
. Co. D, Cedar Mountain 



9th Aug., 1862. 



John Flynn 
Ambrose Goss 



Twenty-second Regiment. 
. . Co. A, Fredericksburg . 
. Co. K, Harrison's Landing 



Co. B, 
Co. B, 
Co. B, 



Thomas Russell, Capt. . . 
John Goodwin, Jr., 1st Lieut 
Gamaliel H. Morse, Sergt. 
William Terhune, Sergt. . , 

John Shaw Co. B, 

Thomas J. Peach, Jr. . . . Co. B, 

Richard Caswell Co. B, 

John C. Crommett .... Co. B, 
Theodore Worms^ad . . . Co. B, 



Twenty-third Regiment. 

. Co. I, Newbern 

Roanoke Island . . . 
Roanoke Island . . . 
Hampton, Va. . . . 
Roanoke Islaiul . . . 
Drowned off Ft. JMonroe, 

Newbern 

Hampton, Va. . . . 
Drury's Bluff. . . . 



Francis E. Ireson . 
Richard H. Martin 



William J. Bartlett . , 
William O'Neill, Corp. 

Henry T. Eennard . . 



Twe(Hty-foukth Regiment. 
. . Co. B, Bermuda Hundred 
. . Co. B, Hampton . . . 



Gth IMay, 


1864. 


28th July, 


1862. 


8th Dec, 


1862. 


8th Feb., 


1862. 


10th Feb., 


1862. 


16th Dec, 


1862. 


8th Feb., 


1862. 


7th Sept., 


1864. 


4th Sept., 


1863. 


23d May, 


1864. 


16 th May, 


1864. 


21st Aug., 


1864. 


30th June, 


1864. 



Twenty- eighth Regiment. 
. . Co. F, Marblehead . 
, . Co. C, Bull Run . . 



Thirtieth Regiment. 
. Co. A, Winchester 



Thirty-second Regiment. 
William P. Brown, 2d Sergt. . Co. E, Fairfax Seminary 
Richard 8. T. Laskey ... Co. C, Laurel Hill . . 
Samuel S. Martin .... Co. E, Falmouth, Va. . 

Daniel J. Ragan Co. E, Laurel Hill . . . 

Christian Dorien Co. G, Petersburg. . . 



John F. Green 



Thirty-ninth Regiment. 
. Co. D, Salisbury, N. C 



11th Aug., 1864. 
30th Aug., 1862. 



19th Sept., 1864. 



loth Sept., 1862. 

f2th May, 1864. 

10th Dec, 1862. 

12th May, 1864. 

18th June, 1864. 



15th Dec, 1864. 



410 



APPENDIX. 



John M. Brown, Sergt. . 
William Brown, Sergt. 
William H. Garney . 



•William Wooldredge 



Fortieth Eegiment. 

Co. K, Hampton, Va. ... 3d Nov., 1864. 

Co. K, Baltimore 11th March, 1865. 

, Co. B, Folley Island, S. C . . 19th Sept., 1863. 



Fifty-third Regoient. 
. Co. A, Port Hudson . 



14th June, 1863. 



Thomas W. Stevens, Ensign 
William T. Adams . 
William B. Hubbard 
Jonathan S. Blaney . 
Benjamin L. Cloutman 
John Curtis . . . 



United States Navy. 

Ship Pontiac, Port Royal . . 19th Jan., 1865. 

Ship Huron, Marblehead . . . 20th Oct., 1863. 

Ship Cumberland 8th March, 1862. 

Ship Saratoga, Doeboy Sd, Ga., 31st Jan., 1865. 

Ship Ino, at sea 18th Dec, 1861. 

Ship Western World, New York, July, 1862. 



INDEX. 



Abbot, Benjamin, 319. 
Abbot, Francis, 347. 
Abbott, Hon. Josiah G., 331. 
Abraham, Woodward, 125, 373, 391. 
Academy, Marblehead, 206, 212, 215, 219, 

235, 374. 
Active, Schooner, 232, 233, 234. 
Adams, John, 73, 120, 180, 205, 206, 221, 

247. 
Adams, Samuel, 87, 90, 113. 
Adams, Capt. William B., 258, 266. 
Adlam, Rev. Samuel, 384. 
Advent Christian Conference, Mass., 390. 
Advocate, People's, 262. 
Ahawayet, 4. 
Ajax, Sloop-of-war, 250. 
Akes, Edward, 66. 

Albatross, United States Steamer, 303. 
Allen, Timothy, 18, 19. 
Allen, Ambrose, 269. 
Allen, Rev. Benjamin E., 273, 274, 360, 

361. 
Alley, Miss Mary A., 289. 
Allerton, Isaac, 8, 9, 19. 
America, Privateer, 242. 
Ames, Justice, 320. 
Anderson, Capt. John M., 272. 
Anderson, Gen. Robert, 284. 
Andr(?, Major, 171, 172. 
Andrew, Gov. John A., 287, 295, 296. 
Andrews, John, 62, 335. 
Andrews, Captain, 243. 
Andrews, Rev. Joseph, 374. 
Ann, Bri^, 246. 
Annibel, The, 175. 
Appleton, Thomas, 320, 325, 330. 
Appleton, Daniel, 324. 
Appletan, Hon. William, 352. 
Argus, Brigantine, 215. 
Arnold, Miijor-general, 160. 
Arnold, Benedict, 172. 
Arts and Sciences, American Academy 

of, 349, 350. 
Asbury, Rev. Thomas, 382. 
Ashcraft, Rev. Nathan B., 382 
Ashton, 79. 

Ashton, Benjamin, 243. 
Ashton, Philip, Jr., 45, 46, 47. 
Association, Young Men's Christian, 274. 



Association, Marblehead Monumental, 

323. 
Association, Marblehead Free School, 351. 
Associates, Independent, 321. 
Atkins, Isaac, 325. 
Atkinson, Rev. Joseph P., 386. 
Aubury, Lieutenant, 165. 
Austin, Mr., 179. 
Austin, Rev. Leonard, 382. 
Averill, J. K., 262. 
Avenue, Atlantic, 5, 363. 
Avery, Rev. John, 9. 
Avery, Gen. Samuel, 266, 356. 
Avery, Hon. Edward, 330. 
Ayres, Captain, 174. 

Bacon, Rev. Henry, 386. 

Bailey, Rev. Augustus F., 382. 

Bailey, Rev. Benjamin H., 323, 380. 

Bailev, Rev. Stephen, 382. 

Bailey, Capt. John, 249. 

Bainbridge, Captain, 247. 

Baldwin, Colonel, 152. 

Balfour, Frigate, 198. 

Ballard, Rev. Edward, 376. 

Bancroft, Capt. Norman, 195. 

Band, Marblehead, 293, 297, 317, 320. 

Bank, Grand, 262, 350. 

Bank, Marblehead, 223, 3-52. 

Barber, William, 14, 19. 

Barden, Rev. Stillman, 387. 

Barker, Capt. Joseph, 198. 223 

Barker, Capt. Thomas, 198. 

Barker, John, 157. 

Barker, Rev. Darius, 382. 

Barnard, Rev. John, 41, 42, 43, 47, 51, 

243, 358, 359, 379. 
Barrows, Rev. I. F., 382. 
Barrows, Rev. John Harris, 385. 
Barry, Captain, 120. 
Bartiiolomew, William, 26. 
Bartlett, Eli V. & Co., 326. 
Bartlett, Captain, 197, 286. 
Bartlett, John, 27. 
Bartlett, Rev. John, 380. 
Bartlett, Rev. J. A., 383. 
Bartlett, Robert, 26. 66. 
Bartol, John, 17, 19, 22. 
Bartol, Widow, 26. 



412 



INDEX. 



Bartoll, Samuel, 206. 

Bassett, Joseph K., 276, 277, 278, 279, 

282. 
Bassett, William, 62. 
Batchelder, Ilev. Daniel, 382. 
Batclieller, Kev. David, 382. 
Bateman, John, 68. 
Bav, Oakum, 3.5. * 

Beal, William, 26, 30. 
Beals, Martha, 33. 
Bean, William, 19.5. 
Beare, Philip, 12, 13. 
Beaurej^ard, (ieneral, 284. 
Beekford & Coflin, 262. 
Belcher, Governor, 57. 
Belvidera, United States Ship, 243. 
Bennett, John, 8, 13, 19. 
Bennett, Widow, 26. 
Bernard, Governor, 79, 89. 
Bessom, Nicholas, 198. 
Bessom Pasture, 5. 
Betsev, Brig, 244. 
Betsv, Schooner, 231. 
Bettis, Quinn. 322. 
Betty, Schooner, 232, 233, 234. 
Bigelow, Colonel, 168. 
Bishop, Captain, 114. 
Blackler, Samuel, 391. 
Blackler, "William, 108, 155, 344. 
Blancher, Widow, 14. 
Blanchard, Jesse, 336. 
Blanev, Captain, 215. 
Blaney, David, 262. 
Blanev, Henrv, 262 
Blanev, Stephen, 1^. '37.- 
Block^ Allerton, 326, .327. 
Block, Po].e's, 325 
Blunt, John. 337. 
Boardman, Capt. Francis, 284, 285, 287, 

290, 296. 
Boatson, Widow, 27. 
Boden, Benjamin, 50, 124, 18-5, 186. 
Bohio, United States Ship, 305, 306, 307. 
Bolles, Kev. Matthew, 384. 
Bonaparte, Napoleon, 217. 
Bond, Nathaniel, 117. 
Boobv, Christopher, 333. 
Booth, Eliza, 32. 
Boston, Frigate, 177, 178, 179, 180, 184, 

185, 186. 
Bouden, Francis, 333. 
Bourne, Thomas, 26. 
Bourne, William, 75, 372. 
Bours, Rev. Peter, 78, 370. 
Bowdeu, John, 02. 
Bowden, Joshua 0., 239, 249, 288. 
Bowden, IMichael, 352. 
Bowden, Samuel, 342. 
Bowden, William. 62. 
Bowdoin, James, 133. 
Boweu, Ashley, 65, 67, 68, 127. 
Bowen, Edward, 391. 
Bowen, Nathan, 51, 59, 61, 74, 221, 257, 

346, 347. 



Bowers, Rev. James, 242, 374. 

Bowinge, Thomas, 19. 

Bowler, Mr., 213. 

Bowler, James, 381. 

Bradtield, George, 26, 

Bradstreet, Rev. Simon, 345, 379. 

Braman, Rev. W. A., 383. 

Brattle, Edward, 37, 39. 

Brav, Edmund, 263. 

Breare, Robinson, 262, 387. 

Breck, Samuel, 200. 

Brewer, David, 116. 

Bridge, Rev. William D., 383. 

Bridges, Rev. Christopher, 366. 

Briggs, Dr. Calvin, 257. 

Briggs, Doctor, 302. 

Briggs, Rev. Avery, 385. 

Brimlilecome, John, 26, 28. 

Brimhlecome, Nathaniel, 330. 

Brimblecome, Philip, 243. 

Brimhlecome, Samuel, 243. 

Brimblecome, Seward, Jr., 135. 

Broadhead, Rev. John, 382. 

Broke, Captain, 248. 

Brooks, General, 203. 

Brooks, Mr.. 22. 

Broughton, Nicholas, 108, 118, 140, 174. 

Broughton, Capt. Glover, 288. 

Brown, Benjamin F., 270. 

Brown, Captain, 197. 

Brown, Ephraim, 336, 338. 

Brown, Increase H., 267, 312, 314. 

Brown, I. H. & Co., 267. 

Brown, John H., 326. 

Brown, Jonathan, 326. 

Brown, Mary G., 330. 

Brown, Mrs. Elizabeth, 368. 

Brown, Nathan, 127. 

Brown, Thomas, 197. 

Brown, William B., 291, 292, 293, 315, 

317, 319, 324. 
Browne, John, 37, 39. 
Browne, William, 26, 27. 
Brownson, Rev. Hector, 382. 
Bruce, David, 295. 
Bruce, Rev. E. B., 387. 
Brutus, The, 197. 
Brvant, John, 347. 
Bubier, John, 33. 
Bubier, Joseph, 62. 
Bubier's Plain, 134; 
Buckamoor, Ship, 198. 
Building, Columbian, 318. 
Building, Rechabite, 326. 
Bultinch, Rev. Henrv, 382. 
Bunker Hill, The, 196. 
Burgovne, General, 159, 161, 163, 165, 

183,"19.5. 
Burke, Captain, 174. 
Burnham, Elder Edwin, 389. 
Burnham, Elder Elam, 389. 
Burnside,< General, 294. 
Butler, Gen. Benjamin F., 331. 



INDEX. 



413 



Butman, Joseph, 249. 
Buxton, Eev. William B., 380. 

Calley, James, 362, 363. • 

Galley, John, 33, 333, 362, 363. 

Calthrop, Rev. Samuel R., 2'J5, 380. 

Campbell, Col. Archibald, 175. 

Cannon, Rev. George, 382. 

Carwithin, David, 18. 26. 

Carwithin, Samuel, 18, 26. 

Carlisle, Rev. Mr., 375. 

Carroll, Capt. John. Jr., 272. 

Case, Rev. E., Jr., 387. 

Cash, George, 194. 

Cass, Jonathan, 267. 

Castle William, 197. 

Caswell, Captain, 196. 

Cemetery, Waterside, 274. 

Center, Captain, 286. 

Chadwick, Rev. John W., 320, 323. 

Chamberlain, William Martin, 262. 

Chapman, Mrs. Leonora, 326. 

Charles II., 20, 21. 

Charles, William, 12, 13, 19, 22. 

Charley Black, 228, 249. 

Chase, Rev. Edwin B., 292, 376. 

Chatham Prison, 253. 

Chaugulon, Mynheer, 251. 

Cheever, Amos, 38, 359. 

Cheever, Rev. Samuel, 23, 26, 29, 30, 36, 

37, 41, 333, 343, 358, 367, 379. 
Cheever, Sons of Widow, 247. 
Cherub, Sloop-of-war, 251. 
Chesapeake, Frigate, 230, 247. 
Chichester, William, 18, 26. 
Ching, George, 14, 19. 
Chinn, John, 33. 
Chipman, John, 74. 
Church, St. Michael's, 124, 125, 218, 291, 

342, 362, 391. 
Church, First Congregational, 254, 273, 

323, 343, 354, 358, 379. 
Church, Second Congregational (Unita- 
rian), 295, 323, 349, 359, 364, 374, 379, 

381. 
Church, Methodist Episcopal, 213, 355, 

381, 389. 
Church, Baptist, 240, 302, 314, 327, 384. 
Church, Universalist, 265, 385. 
Church, Third Congregational, 273, 323, 

300, 361. 
Church, Star of the Sea, 274, 316, 327, 

388. 
Church, Advent, 389. 
Clark, 94. 
Clark, John, 157. 
Clarke, liev. James Freeman, 380. 
Clarke, Matthew, 26. 
Clemment, John, 20. 
Clifton, 331. 
Clifford, Governor, 272. 
Clinton, General, 146, 147. 
Closson, Rev. Harrison, 386, 387. « 

Clothey, Elder John F., 390. ' 



Clothey, Thomas, 270. 

Club, Tuesday Evening, 355. 

Club, Reform, 321. 

Codner, Christopher, 20. 

Codner, John, 22, 26, 340. 

Codner, Josiah, 27. 

Coite, John, 13. 

Colbeek, Judge, 119. 

Cole, Captain, 194, 195. 

Cole, Richard. 206. 

College, Columbia, 374. 

College, Harvard, 11, 23, 37, 50, 343, 349, 

370, 379. 
Collier, Sir George, 178. 
Collings, Francis, 24. 
Collyr, Captain T., 197. 
Commission, United States Sanitary, 300. 
Company, Marblehead Great Neck Land, 

338. 
Conant, John, 333. 
Conant, Lot, 26. 
Conant, Roger, 26. 
Confederacy, Frigate, 185. 
Confederate Schooner Eugenie Smith, 

305. 
Congress. Frigate, 294, 295. 
Constitution, Frigate, 242, 246, 247, 248, 

250, 289, 290. 
Conwav, Capt. John, 179. 
Cook, Rev. Z., 387. 
Coombes, Joshua, 335. 
Coombes, Michael, 335- 
Cooper, Ezekiel, 381. 
Cooper, Rev. Ezekiel, 381. 
Corbitt, Michael, 80. 
Corkering, William, 68. 
Coronet, The, 194. 
Cornwallis, Lord, 135, 196. 
Corwinge, Captain, 20. 
Cotton, John, 37, 38. 
Cotton, Josiah, 37. 
Courtis, A. S., 268. 
Courtis, William, 108. 151, 288. 
Coval, Rev. James. 382. 
Cowell, Capt. Richard, 187, 188. 189, 194, 

251. 
Cowell, Lieut. John G., 251, 252. 
Cowley, Thomas, 20. 
Cozzens, Rev. Samuel, 360. 
Craddock, Mr., 8. 

Cressy, Captain Josiah P., 304, 356, 357. 
Crocker, Richard, 26. 
Cromwell, Oliver, 20, 21. 
Cross, John, 270. 
Cross, Captain, 195- 
Cross, Joseph, 391. 
Cross, IMiss Lizzie, 289. 
Cross, Miss Mary A., 289. 
Crowinshield, George, 65, 221. 
Crowninshiehl, Rev. Edward, 330. 
Cumberland, Frigate,. 294. 295. 
Cumberland, Privateer, 184. 
Cundy, Samuel, 26. 
Currituck, United States Steamer, 311. 



414 



INDEX. 



Curtis, Francis, 270. 
Curtis, Ricliard, 19. 
Curtis, Tliomas, 243. 
Curwin, Jonathan, .31. 
Curwithin, David, 16. 
Cuslaing, Gen. Caleb, 270. 
Custis, Widow, 308. 

Dacres, Captain, 244, 245. 

Dalton, Tristram, 133. 

Damon, Edward, 26. 

Dana, Francis, 204. 

Dana, Rev. Samuel, 242, 360. 

Darling, ISenjamin, 62. 

Darling, Ezekiel, 263. 

Darling, George, 27. 

Dartmoor Prison, 252, 253. 

Davis, Jefferson, 283, 310. 

Day, Capt. Benjamin, 291, 293. 

Day, Lulce, 203. 

Dean, Rev. M. M., 385. 

Deane, Frigate, 184, 185. 

Dearborn, Rev. J. AV., 383, 

Dennis, Siiipper, 224. 

Dennis, Daniel, 307. 

Dennis, John, 269. 

D'Estaing, Count, 167. 

Devereux, 21, 331. 

Devereux. Burrill, 206, 210. 

Devereiux, John. 12, 13, 17, 19, 25, 26, 
30. 

Devereux, Humphrey, 267. 

Devoricks, John, 33-3". 

Dickens, Charles, 227. 

Dimon, Edward, 40. 

Dinsraore, William P., 307. 

Division, Washington, Sons of Temper- 
ance, 273. 

Dixie, John, 206. 

Dixie, Peter, Jr., 262. 

Dixie, Thomas, 20, 26. 

Doak, Michael J., 326. 

Doak, ftlrs. Hannah D., 289. 

Dodd, Ambrose, 243. 

Dodd, Sarah, 34. 

Dodd, Thomas, 26, 28, 33. 

Dodge, Simeon, 320, 329. 

Doe, Benjamin, 62. 

Doliber, Samuel, 17, 18. 

Dolliber, Dea. William, 89, 97, 104. 
.X Dolliber, Joseph, 17, 19, 22, 26 

Doliver, Thomas, 86. 

Dollon, Miles, 67. 

Dolphin, Schooner, 243. 

Don, Steamer, 311. 

Donovan, Dennis, 388. 

Dove, Captain, 46. 

Dove, John, -322. 

Dove, Thomas, 68, 322. 

Drew, John, 57. 

Drury, Doctor, 375. 

Dunbar, Rev. George, 382. 

Duncan, George W., 216. 

Dunlap, A. H., 337. 



Dupont, Admiral, 310. 
Durrell, Admiral,' 66. 
Dutton, Rev. E. P., -387. 
Dwight. Rev. Moselev, 382. 
Dwight, Rev. W. E.,"383. 
Dyers, Captain, 174. 

Eagle, The, 196. 
Earl of Moria, Brig, 246. 
Eastman, Rev. George V. C, 375. 
Eaton, Israel, 243. 
Eaton, William, 243. 
Edgcomb, John, 333. 
Edwards, Jonathan, 57. 
Elbridge, John, 369. 
Ellis, Rev. Ferdinand, 242, 384. 
Ellis, Thomas, 26, 33. 
Elizabeth, The, 184. 
Encampment, Ozias, 315. 
Endeavour, The, 264. 
Endicott, W. C, 273. 
Endymion, Frigate, 250. 
Enterprise, Privateer, 184. 
Essex, Frigate, 243, 251. 
Essex Junior, Frigate, 2.51. 
Essex, The, 265. 

Fabens, William, 312. 

Fairchild, William, 50. 

Farlow, Seth, 192. 

Farragut, Admiral, 303. 

Farrell, Garrett, 08. 

Fettyplace, Captain, 195, 198. 

Fettyplace, Edward, 97. 

Filmore, Rev. .Jesse, 382. 

Fish, Rev. Linus, 382. 

Fitz, Rev. Hervey, 385. 

Flemming, John, 295. 

Flint, George F., 338. 

Flora, The, 178. 

Florence, Captain, 195. 

Flying Cloud, The, 356. 

Folsom, General 140. 

Forbes, Ship R. B., 304. 

Forest River, 2, 10, 11. 

Forest Side, 14. 

Forrester, Captain, 194. 

Forsyth, G. W., 326. 

Fort Darby, 12. 

Fort Glover, 299. 

Fort Johnson, .301. 

Fort Miller, 299. 

Fort Sewal!, 52, 249. 256, 264, 294, 299. 

Fort Warren, 300, -304. 

Forton Prison, 177, 181, 183. 

Fortune, Elias, 26. 

Foster, Captain, 142. 

Foster, Capt. Daniel, 198. 

Foster, Capt. Israel, 108. 

Foster, Ebenezer, 97. 

Fountain Inn, 52. 

Fowle, Col. Jacob, 03, 04, 75, 140. 

Fowle, John, 99. 

Fox, Nicholas, 26. 



INDEX. 



415 



Fox, The, 178. 

Frankland, Sir Harrj', 52-57. 

Franklin, The, 175, 177, 321, 322. 

Freedom, Privateer, 246. 

Freeman, Isaac, 63. 

Freeman, James, 65. 

Freemason, The, 185, 195, 198, 391. 

Freemasons, Philanthropic Lodge of, 351. 

Friend, The, 264. 

Friends, The, 181. 

Furness, Joseph, 243. 

Gage, Thomas, 97, 105, 106. 

Gale, Ambrose, 26, 34. 

Gale, Benjamin, 33. 

Gale, Hannah, 140. 

Gallison, Henrv, 223. 

Gallison, John," 80. 83, 99. 

Gallison, Mary, 348. 

Gardner, Abel, 262. 

Gardner, Rev. George "W., D. D., 385. 

Garney, Thomas, 261. 

Gatchell, Jeremiah, 26, 333. 

Gatchell, John, 12, 13, 14, 18, 26. 

Gatchell, Josiah, 27. 

Gatchell, Samuel, 13, 14, 26, 157. 

Gates, General, 158, 161, 162, 165, 166. 

George, King, 82. 

George, The, 175. 

General Glover, The, 196. 

General Glover Fire Association, 274, 316. 

Gerry, Elbridge, 89, 92, 103-105, 110, 113, 
114, 116, 119, 121, 123, 133, 204, 216, 
221, 222, 240, 246, 344, 346, 355. 

Gerry Fire Association, 269, 274, 300. 

Gerry, John, 17. 

Gerry, Samuel R., 207, 347. 

Gerry, Thomas, 51, 88, 89, 110, 121, 125, 
130, 344. 

Gerry, Thomas, Jr., 89. 

Gibbons, Captain, 232. 

Gibbs, William, 117. 

Gilbert, Moses, 320, 329. 

Giles, Ebenezer, 335. 

Giles, John H., 307. 

Giles, Samuel, 197, 198. 

Giles, Mr., 237, 

Gilley, Miss Alicia, 289. 

Gilligan, Alexander, 26. 

Girdler, Kichard, 266. 

Glencairn, Earl of, 185. 

Glover, Edmund, 270, 326. 

Glover, Gen. John, 89, 92, 115, 116, 117, 
118, 134, 140, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 
147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 153, 154, 155, 
158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 
166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 204, 
210, 258, 271, 341, 354, 355. 

Glover, Jonathan, 92, 93, 108, 114, 116, 
121, 129, 130, 135, 204, 210, 341, 342. 

Glover, Mrs. Mary, 289. 

Glover, Nathaniel, 326. 

Glynn, John, 307. 

Godfrey, George, 26. 



Godler, Francis, 26. 

Goldsmith, John, 68. ' ■' 

Goldthwaite, Joel, 330. 

Gooden, Samuel, 86. 

Gooden, William, Sr., 86. 

Good Intent, Schooner, 233. 

Good Templars, Washington Lodge of, 
274, 300. 

Goodwin, Hooper R., 325. 

Goodvin, John, 206. 

Goodwin, John, Jr., Post 82, G. A. R.. 
315. 

Goodwin, Lieut. John, Jr., 294, 295. 

Goodwin, Samuel, 269. 

Goodwin, T lonias M., 269. 

Gorham, Nathaniel, 204. 

Gorman, Thomas, 378. 

Goss, William, 301. 

Goyt, John, 19. 

Granaway, Richard, 12. 

Grandchamps, Chevalier, 200. 

Grandy, Amos, 68. 

Grant," Thomas, 3d, 108. 

Graves, Captain, 196, 199. 

Graves, Capt. Samuel C, 296, 297, 300. 

Graves, Ebenezer, 206, 228. 

Graves, James C., 303. 

Graves, Miss Mary E., 289. 

Graves, Samuel, 59. 

Gray, Thomas, 8, 13, 19. 

Gregory, Capt. John, 257. 

Gregory, Capt. Michael B., 304. 

Gregory, Capt. Samuel B., 271, 304, 305, 

307, 309, 310, 311. 
Gregory, Capt. William D., 305, 306, 307. 
Gregory, James J. H., 288, 318, 320, 324, 

330. 
Gregory, John H., 337. 
Gregory, Mrs. Sarah, 330. 
Green, Joseph W., 259, 262, 263, 350. 
Green, Samuel, 250. 
Green, Samuel H., 322. 
Green, Skipper, 224. 
Green, William, 391. 
Greene, General, 154. 
Greyson, Colonel, 144. 
Gridlev, Colonel, 117. 
Gridle>, Rev. J. S. J., 382. 
Griggs, S., 26. 
Grover, Samuel, 198. 
Growler, Privateer, 242, 246. 
Grush, John, 108. 
Guards, Home, 293. 

Guards, Glover Light, 271, 272, 284, 297. 
Guards, Lafayette, 258, 264, 272, 284, 297, 

300. 
Guards, Mugford, 291. 
Guerriere, Frigate, 244, 245, 246. 
Guernsey Island, 7. 
Gulliard, John, 94. 
Gun House, 231. 

Hague, The, 193. 

Hale, E. B., Gunboat, 305, 308. 



416 



INDEX. 



Hale, Mr., 30. 

Halifax Prison, 253. 

Hall, Abbot, 319. 320. 329. 

Hall, Allerton, 317, 324. 

Hall, Anderson'!", 388. 

Hall, Franklin, 385, 386. 

Hall, Lyceum, 269, 302, 305, 319, 321, 

361, 390. 
Hall, Rechabite, 390. 
Hall, Shawmut, 271. 
Hallowell, Edward, 68. 
Ham, Martin, 336. 
Hamden, The, 195, 197. 
Hamilton, Alexander, 221. 
Hamilton, Captain, 195. 
Hammond, William, 86. 
Hamson, John C, 288, 298. 
Hancock Frigate, 175, 177, 178, 195. 197. 
Hancock', John, 87, 90. 113, 133, 171. 
Hands, William, 333. 
Hannover, William, 68. 
Harbor, Little, 24, 40. 
Harding, Fhilip, 27. 
Hardy, Captain, 232. 
Harrington, Nathaniel, 117. 
Harris Farm, 5. 
Harris, Capt. John, 179. 
Harris, John, 26. 
Harris, John F., 313. 
Harris, Joseph, 280, 354. 
Harris, Joseph & Sons, 279, 280, 314. 
Harris, Mason, 194. 
Harris, Mrs. John F., 289. 
Harris, Rev. William, 206, 374. 
Harris, Rev. William R., 378. 
Harris, Richard, 110, 207, 210. 
Harris, Robert, 59, 62. 
Harris, William, 194. 
Harrison, William Henrv, 268. 
Hart, John, 12, 13, 17, 19. 
Hart & Trask, 262. 

Harvard, Rev. John, 11. 

Harvest Moon, Bark, 304. 

Harvev, Rev. James P., 382. 

Haskell, Rev. William G., 315, 387. 

Haskell, William T., 280. 

Haskell, William T. & Co., 279. 

Hatch, George, 316. 

Hathaway, Benjamin G., 326. 

Hathawav, Jeremiah, 266. 

Hathawav, Mrs. Hannah J., 289. 

Hathawav, Stephen, Jr., 288. 

Hathaway, Stephen P., 267. 

Hathorne", John, 31. 

Hathorne, Maj. William, 21, 23, 33. 

Hawk, The, 194, 196. 

Hawkes, Benjamin, 261. 

Hawkes, Ebenezer, 333. 

Hawkes, William, 157. 

Haynes, Rev. Dudley C, 385. 

Hazard. Sloop-of-war, 243. 

Hazel, John, 295. 

Hazleton, Rev. Benjamin, 382. 

Head, Bartol's, 130. 



Head, Goodwin's, 248. 

Head, Hewitt's, 248. 

Head, Naugus, 12, 14, 299. 

Healv, Rev. Daniel S., 385. 

Heath, Major-general, 163, 164, 172. 

Hemeford, Richard, 26. 

Henley, Colonel, 164. 

Henley, Elias, 26. 

Henlev, Elias, Jr., 33. 

Henrv, 198. 

Henshaw, Rev. John P. K., 374. 

Hervey, Rev. Nathaniel, 385. 

Hibard, Jeremiah, 322. 

Hidden, Mrs. Hannah, 289. 

Higginson, Rev. John, 3, 7. 

Hiler, Rev. Stephen G-, 382. 

Hill, Gallows, .34. 

Hill, Lodge, 261. 

Hill, Nickerson's, .327. 

Hill, Reed's, 277. 279, 318. 

Hill, Trainingtield, 351, 352. 

Hill, Twisden's, 130, 248. 
Hillsborough, Lord, 77, 89. 

Hind, The, 190. 

Hines, Rev. 0., 382. 

Hinks, Gen. E. W., 285, 286. 

Hinman, Kev. William, 382. 

Hitchcock, Colonel, 194. 

Hoar, Hon. Ebenezer R., 320. 

Holden, John, 243. 

Holgrave, Mr., 10. 

Holton, Samuel, 133. 

Holvoke, Dr. Edward Augustus, 349. 

Holvoke, Rev. Edward, 41, 42, 50, 51, 
345, 349, 358, 359, 379. 

Homan, Edward. 26, 61. 

Homan, Miss Mary E., 289. 

Homan, Richard, 206. 

Homan, Samuel, 317. 

Homan, William, 243. 

Homes, Rev. Francis, 361 

Hook, Elder John, -390. 

Hooper, Captain, 199. 

Hooper, John, 26, 266, 200, 352. 

Hooper, John, 4th, 223. 

Hooper, Joseph, 353. 

Hooper, Mrs. Eunice, 377. 

Hooper, Mrs. Mary Glover, 258. 

Hooper, Nathaniel, 223, 257. 

Hooper, Robert, 26, 62, 63, 65, 136, 206, 
258, 3.50, 351, 353, 354. 

Hooper, Robert, Jr., 59. 

Hooper, Robert, Ship, 270. 

Hooper, Samuel, 107, 206, 210, 212, 352. 

Hooper, William, 223, 243, 

Hooper, William, Jr., 199. 

Hooper, William H., 271. 

Horton, Rev. Jotham, 382. 

Hose Company, Liberty, 315, 318. 

Hotel, Marblehead, 325. 

House, Atlantic, 3.36. 

House, Bowler, 381. 
House, Eagle, 341. 
House, Hooper, 352. 



INDEX. 



417 



House, Lee, 352. 

House, Manataus:, 317. 

House, Old Custom, 342. 

House, Prentiss, 355. 

House, Reynolds, 261. 

House, Samoset, 336. 

House, Tucker, 340. 

House, Watson, 354. 

Howe, The, 190. 

Howe, General, 142, 146, 149. 

Hoyle, John, 26. 

Hubbard, Amos, 86. 

Hubbard, Eliza, .32. 

Hubbard, John, 254. 

Hubbard, Rev. Ebenezer, 217, 341, 342, 

359. 
Hubbard, Rev. Reuben, 382. 
Hubbard, William B., 295. 
Humphrey, John, 10, 11, 12, 17. 
Humphrey, William, 326. 
Humphreys, .John, 206. 
Humphries, Edward, 28. 
Hunt, Rev. William, 382. 
Huntoon, Rev. Benjamin, .380. 
Hutchinson, Thomas, 72, 73, 74, 86, 97, 

98, 108, 126, 345. 
Hutchinson, T. J., 262. 
Hutchinson & Skinner, 262. 
Hyde, Lord, 188. 

Indian, John, 32. 

Industry, Privateer, 242, 246. 

Ingalls," Ebenezer, 3-33. 

Ingalls, Thomas, 319. 

IngersoIJ, Lieut. Nathaniel, 31. 

Ingersoll, Nathaniel, 334. 

Ino, United States Ship, .30-3, .304. 

Ireson, Skipper Benjamin, 232, 233, 234. 

Island, Baker's, 3-39. 

Island, Cat, 94. 

Island, Charles, 40. 

Island, Lowell, 339. 

Island, Ram, 339. 

Island, Thacher's, 331, 339. 

Island, Tinker's. 3-39. 

Ives, S. B., Jr., 320. 

Jack, The, 197. 

Jackson, Andrew, 263, 264, 265, 351. 
Jackson, Dr. Hall, 93, 128. 
Jackson, George, 362, 363. 
Jackson, Jonathan. 133. 
Jackson, Major, 208. 
Jacobs, Charles, 68. 
James, Capt. Ambrose, 19.3, 194. 
James, Capt. Benjamin, 333. 
James, Capt. Richard, 333. 
James, Erasmus, 12, 13, 19, 26. 
James, Rosamond, 14. 
Jarvis, Admiral. 176. 
Jason, Privateer, 184, 195, 197. 
Java, Frigate, 247. 
Jay, John, 221. 

Jayne, Peter, 79, 134, 355, 371. 
27 



Jefferson, Thomas, 221, 222, 230. 

Jenner, Doctor, 220. 
Jersey Island, 7. 
Johns, Rev. Lot, 375. 
Johnson, Charles, 365, 366. 
Johnson, Daniel H., 298. 
Johnson, Fort, 186. 
Johnson, Francis, 17, 26. 
Johnson, Hannah, 278. 
Johnson, Robert, 27. 
Johonnet, Gabriel, 117, 151. 
Jones, Paul, 120. 
Jones, Rev. Benjamin, 382. 
Jov, William F., 330. 
Jupiter, The, 192. 

Keene, Will, 1-3. 

Kelsey, Rev. Frank D., 361. 

Kendeley, Edward, 67. 

Kibby, Rev. Epaphras, 382. 

Kilpatrick, General, .302. 

Kimball, Edmund, 262, 270, 271. 

Kimball, Rev. Isaac, 384. 

King, Mr., 221. 

King, Rufus, 204. 

Kitteridge, Rev. F. D., 387. 

Knight, Benjamin, 257. 

Knight, Frank, 264. 

Knight, Franklin, 273. 

Knight, Robert, 19, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29. 

Knight, William, 12. 

Knott, Richard, 26. 

Knox, General, 156. 

Lackey, Andrew, 266. 

Lafayette, Marquis, 166, 200, 201, 202, 

257, 258. 
Lafayette, George Washington, 258. 
Lambord, Rev. Benjamin F., 382. 
Lane, Thomas, 19. 
Laskey, William, 196. 
Lattimore, Christopher, 20, 22, 26. 
Lawrence, Captain, 248. 
Lawrence.Rev. Edward A., D. D., 360, .361. 
League, Soldier's and Sailor's Union, 315. 
Lear, Mr., 208. 
Lecraw, Thomas J., 381. 
Lee, Capt. John, 176, 177, 181, 182. 
Lee, Gen. Robert E., 301. 
Lee, Col. William R., 130, 1.32, 135, 146, 

150, 151, 1.56, 157, 162, 163, 164, 165, 

166, 182, 190, 206, 212, 216, 219, -352, 373. 
Lee, Jeremiah, 61, 63, 64, 78, 10-3, 104, 

105, 108, 110, 113, 114, 346, 351, 354, 

355. 
Lee, Major-general, 149, 150, 151, 152, 

160, .355. 
Lee Mansion, 351. 
Lee, Rear-admiral, 310. 
Lee, Rev. Jesse, 381. 
Lee, Schooner, 193. 
Leek, Frederick W., 262. 
Leek, Rev. John Wickliffe, 378. 
Lefavour, John, 271. 



418 



INDEX. 



Lefavour, Joshua 0., 32(5. 

Lefavour, William C, 326, 327. 

Le Gailais, David, 369. 

Le Gailais, Mrs. Hannah, .368. 

Leg-g, John, 18, 19, 20, 26, 333. 

Lesj,^ John, Jr., 20, 39. 

Leopard, Ship, 230. 

Leslie, Colonel, 111, 112. 

Lewis, Alonzo, 3. 

Lewis, Marcy, 31, 32. 

Lewis, Philip, 65. 

Lewis, Rev. William H., 376. 

Lewis, Thomas, 206, 21.5. 

Library, Abbot, 325, 330. 

Liberty, The, 264. 

Liffhtfoot, William, 27. 

Lincoln, Abraham, 283, 284, 296, 298, 302. 

Lincoln, Benjamin, 133. 

Lincoln, (ieneral, 149, 172, 186, 203. 

Lindsev, Nathaniel, 210, 242, 246. 

Lindsev, N. Allen, 262. 

Lindsev, N. AJIen & Co., 328. 

Lindzee, Captain, 120. 

Liner, Samuel, 68. 

Linsford, Francis, 24. 

Linsteed, Roper, 68. 

Lion, Privateer, 242, 243, 246. 

Listen, Nicholas, 12, 13. 

Litch, Elder J., 389. 

Litchman, Charles H., 324. 

Litchman, William, 288. 

Little, Colonel, 349. 

Little, Woodbridge, 116. 

Lively, Brig, 177, 192, 341. 

Lloyd, Arthur, 68. 

Lodge, Masonic, 351. 

Look, Samuel, 68, 348. 

Loring, Hon. George B., 323. 

Lovis, Samuel, 68, 348. 

Low, Edward, 46. 

Lowrie, Captain, 224. 

Lye, Joseph, 68, 74. 

Lynch, Privateer, 118. 

Lyon, John, 13, 14, 19. 

Lyon, John J., 288. 

Madison, James, 221, 235, 246. 

Magan, Luke, 243. 

Magee, Lieutenant, 179. 

Mahonv, John, 388. 

Main, The, 14. 

Main, Thomas, 288. 

Makepeace, Mr., 221. 

Malcom, Rev. Alexander, 58, 369, 370. 

Manly, Commodore John, 119, 120, 140, 

141, 174, 175, 177, 178, 181, 193. 
Manning, Samuel, 270. 
Mansfield, Isaac, 204, 210. 
Mansion, Sewall, 353. 
Marblehead Gazette, 262. 
Marblehead Ledger, 262. 
Marblehead Light Infantry, 239, 242,248, 

254, 255, 264, 272. 
Marblehead Messenger, 262, 316, 328. 



Marblehead Neck, 1, 10, 14, 247, 248, 

249, 299, 331, 333, 334, 335, 337, 338, 

339. 
ISlarblfhead Register, 262. 
MarbU-lirad Rock, 339. 
]\rarl>klR;ul Steam Fire Association, 316. 
Marblehead, The, 265. 
Marchant, Capt. John, 218, 219. 
Marcy, Rev. Ichabod, 382. 
Mariott, Nicholas, 10, 13, 26. 
Marquis, The, 189, 194, 198. 
IMarriatt, John, 27. 
Marr, John, 291. 
Marsh, Rev. W., 382. 
Marshall, Rev. Herbert, 384. 
Marshall, John, 216. 
Marston, Benjamin, 126, 354. 
Martin, Capt. Knott V., 272, 284, 285, 

286, 287, 291, 294, 329. 
Martin, Ebunezer, 261. 
Martin, John, 26. 
Martin, John H., 268. 
Martin, Knott, 262. 
Martin, Nathan B., 235, 257. 
Martin, Richard, 195. 
Martin, William, .38L 
Mason, James, 86. 
Massabequash, 3. 
Massachusetts, Brig, 197. 
Mather, Cotton, 37. 
Mather, Increase, 28. 
Mather, Mr., 9. 
Matthews, William, 68, 91. 
Maverick, Moses, 4, 8, 9, 13, 14, 17, 19, 

20, 21, 25, 26, 30, 36. 
May, Rev. Hezekiah, 379. 
Mayo, Rev. Henry, 382. 
McClain, Rev. Alex., 382. 
McClester, John, 56. 
McCurdv, Rev. C. L. 383. 
McDougal, General, 144, 145, 146, 152, 

153. 
McGrath, Major, 335. 
Mc:Masters, John. 337. 
McNeil, Capt. Hector, 177, 179. 
Meek, Capt. Thomas, 223. 
Melzard, John. 68. 
Mercer, General, 154. 
Mermaid, The, 185. 
Merrill, Rev. Abraham D., 382. 
Merritt, 17, 19, 25, 47. 
Merritt, Captain, 105, 194. 
Messer, Mary, 347. 
Messervey, Captain, 231. 
Messervey, William, 335. 
Metcalf, Rev. Alfred, 382. 
Mills, Lead, 14. 
Minerva, Schooner, 231. 
Misalt, Francis, 08. 
Mitchell, Thomas, 243. 
Mitchell, William, 243. 
Monroe, James, 256, 351. 
Montgomery, Brig, 198. 
Montowampate, 3. 



INDEX. 



419 



Monument, Mugford, 326. 

Morgan, Samuel, 26. 

Morse, Gamaliel H., 294, 295. 

Moss, Abram, 195. 

Mossom, Rev. David, 366, 367, 368. 

Mott, Rev. Thomas S. W., 375. 

Mudge, Rev. James, 382. 

Mudge, Rev. Z. A., 383. 

Mugford, James, 108, 110, 122, 174, 321 
322. ' ' > ) J "^i, 

Mugford Fire Association, 274, 202 3'>3 
Mullett, Abraham, 86. ' ' • 

Munger, Rev. Philip, 382. 
Musical Association, 273, 323, 324, 330. 

Nancy, Privateer, 176. 

Nanepashemet, 2. 

Naumkeag, 4. 

Naumkeags, 2. 

Neal, Captain, 195. 

Neal, Jeremiah, 24. 

Neal, John, 62. 

Neck, John Peach's, 13. 

Newhall, Joel, 262. 

Newhall, Miss Harriet, 289. 

Newhall, Mrs. Margaret, 289. 

Newhall, Paul, 243. 

Nichols, Benjamin, 67. 

Nichols, Rev. Andrew. 382. 

Nicholson, Captain, 184. 

Nicholson, Col. Francis, 362, 363, 364 
368. ' 

Nicholson, Edmund, 19. 

Nicholson, Francis, 41. 

Nicholson, John, 243. 
Nicholson, Samuel, 27. 
Nicholson, Thomas, 228. 
Nick, William, 20, 26, 333. 
Niles, Rev. Mark Haskell, .360. 
Nixon, General, 158, 161, 171. 
Noble, Rev. Charles, 382. 
Norden, Nathan, •i.33. 
Norman, Ensign, 28. 
Norman, John, 19, 20. 
Norman, Richard, 19, 20, 25, 26. 
Northend, Hon. William I)., 338. 
Northey, John, 19, 22, 26. 
Norwood, Rev. Abraham, 386. 
Nutt, Capt. John, 89, 97, 137. 
Nutting, John, 266. 
Nutting, William, 117. 

Observer, The, 190. 

Odd Fellows, Atlantic Lodge of, 269. 

Odiorne, Charles, 338. 

O'Keeffe, Edmund, 389. 

Old Jersey, 196. 

Oliver, Andrew. 73, 74. 

Oliver, James, 262. 

Oliver, Mrs. Mary M., 289. 

Oliver, Rev. Thomas Fitch, 373, 374. 

Oliver Cromwell, The, 195, 197. 

Olton, John, 363. 

Orange, Prince of, 251. 



Orient, Ship, 243. 

Orne, Adoniram C, 261, 276, 288 325. 

Orne, Capt. W illiam B.. 244, 245.' 

Orne, Col. Azor, 89, 92, 103, 104, 105. 
110, 113, 116, 121, 130, 133, 140 204 
217, 343, 346. ' ' . > 

Orne, Jonathan H., 294, 313, 320. 
Orne, Joshua, 74, 80, 89, 97, 104 110 

116, 121, 130, 135, 155, 157, 206. 
Orne, William, 66. 
Osgood, Hooker, 267. 
Osgood, Rev. A. M., 382. 
Oiheman, Rev. Bartholomew, 383. 
Otheman, Rev. Edward, 382. 
Otis, James, 73, 87, 90. 
Otis, Rev. Erastus, 382. 

Paine, Miss Carrie, 289. 

Paine, Rev. Nathan, 382. 

Paine, Thomas T., 317, 326. 

Paine, Zacharv, 68. 

Parker, Capt. "Charles, 215. 

Parker, Isaac, 218. 

Parmeter, Benjamin, 26. 

Parsons. General, 171. 

Patch, kev. George W., 295, 385. 

Pautumskey, United States Steamer, 311. 

Peach, Col. Benjamin P., Jr., 299, 302. 

Peach, John, 10, 13, 17, 19, 22, 25, 254. 

Peach, John, Jr., 19, 26. 

Peach, Mrs. Emma, 333. 

Peach, Thomas, 68. 

Peach, William, 86, 347. 

Peach's Point, 7, 14, 331, 340. 

Peacock, Brig, 196, 215. 

Pearce, John, 62. 

Pearce, Richard, 243. 

Peck, Rev. Alfred, 387. 

Pedrick, Andrew, 333. 

Pedrick, George, 269. 

Pedrick, John, 26, 3.3.3, 334. 

Pedrick, John, Jr., 26. 

Pedrick, John, 3d, 223. 

Pedrick, Joseph, 235. 

Pedrick, Knott, 200. 

Pedrick, Major John, 111, 344, 345. 

Pedrick, Richard, 206. 

Pedrick, Thomas, 108, 200. 

Peggy, Ship, 177. 

Pembroke, Frigate, 65, 66, 67, 68. 

Penet, Brigantine, 179. 

Penballow, Samuel, 38. 

Pepperill, Sir William, 58. 

Perkins, Enoch, 326. 

Perseverance, Schooner, 231. 

Perry, United States Steamer, 311. 

Peters, Rev. Hugh, 11, 20. 

Peters, Samuel, 196. 

Petro, Elizabeth, 348. 

Pettengill, Mr., 309, 310. 

Phillip, King, 27, 28. 

Phillips, Capt. Richard, 284, 285, 287, 

296, 297. 
Phillips, Dea. Stephen, 96, 97. 



420 



INDEX. 



Phillips, Eben B., 312. 

Pliillips, Major-general, 163. 

Phillips, William S., Jr., 262. 

Phippen, 79. 

Phoebe, Frigate, 251. 

Picke, George, 26. 

Pickett, Ann, 59. 

Pickett, John, 59. 

Pickett, Moses A., 271, 272, 343. 

Pickett, M. A., Engine, 314. 

Pickering, Colonel, 157. 

Pickering, John, 133. 

Pickering, Rev. George, 382. 

Pierce, Rev. George, .Jr., 330. 

Pierson, Thomas, 337. 

Pigot, Rev. George, 368, 369. 

Pincknev, C. C., 216. 

Pitford, "Peter, 19. 

Pittsford, Edward, 19. 

Pitman, Charity, 33. 

Pitman, Henry F., 319, 320, 326, 327, 330. 

Pitman, Mark, 26. 

Pitman, Miss Mary L., 289. 

Pitman, Thomas, 19, 20, 26, 30. 

Pitt Pacett, Brig, 80. 

Poat, William, 27. 

Pole, The, 183. 

Pomena, Frigate, 184. 

Pond, Brick, 276. 

Pond, Red's, 325. 

Poor, Captain, 231. 

Poquanum, 4. 

Porter, Benjamin, 262, 350. 

Porter, Capt. David, 251, 252. 

Porter, Thomas, 243. 

Porter & Green, 350. 

Post, Boston, 3G2. 

Potter, Henry A., 319. 

Pousland, Thomas, 26. 

Pousland, William, 243. 

Pow, William, 20. 

Powers, Capt. John, 224, 322. 

Powers, Capt. Thomas, 80. 

Powers, Capt. William, 224. 

Preble, United States Sloop-of-war, 307. 

Prentiss, Benjamin K., 315. 

Prentiss, Caleb, Jr., 325. 

Prentiss, Commander, 308. 

Prentiss, John, 99. 

Prentiss, John, Jr., 257. 

Prentiss, Joshua, 355, 381. 

Prentiss, Miss Amy K., 289. 

Prentiss, Mr., 213. 

Prescott, Colonel, 140. 

Price, Rev. Joseph H., 375. 

Prichard, Asa, 243. 

Prince, John, 108, 192. 

Prince of Orange, Ship, 251. 

Providence, The, 180, 186. 

Putnam, Ann, 32. 

Putnam, Ann, Jr., 32. 

Putnam, General, 141, 148. 

Putnam, Israel, 267. 

Putnam, Samuel, 235. 



Putnam's Tavern, 223. 
Pythias, Knights of, 315- 

Queen of France, 186. 
Quilty, James, 322. 

Raddin,.John, 3-33. 

Railroad, Marblehead and Lynn, 312, 

317. 
Rainbow, The, 178. 
Rainoni, Rev. Charles, 389. 
Ranger, The, 186. 
Read, Edward, 126. 
Rebekah, Daughters of, 315. 
Rechabites, Samaritan Tent of, 269. 
Red, Samuel, 31, 32. 
Red, Wilmot, 31, 32, 33, 34. 
Red Men, Manataug Tribe of, 316. 
Redden, Thaddeus, 26, 30. 
Reed, Captain, 194, 198. 
Reed, Hon. William, 257, 333, 353, 354, 

375. 
Reed, Jeremiah, 157. 
Reed, Mary, 370. 

Reed, Richard, 26, 29, 30, 61, 64, 71, 140. 
Reed, Samuel, 26. 
Reed, Thomas, 26. 
Reidesel, Major-general, 163. 
Reith, Richard, 26, 333. 
Relief, The, 264. 
Relief Association, Citizens, 317. 
Reservoir, Brick Pond, 325. 
Revenge, The, 195. 
Rexford, Rev. Jordan, 382. 
Reynolds, Dr. H. A., 321. 
Reynolds, Franklin, 327. 
ReVnolds, John, 390. 
Rhode Island, United States Steamer, 

305. 
Rice, Rev. William, 382. 
Richard, Brig, 246. 
Richmond, Rev. John B., 376. 
Richmond, United States Sloop-of-war, 

303. 
River Head Beach, 48, 299. 
Rix, Asa W. S., 307. 
Roads, Henry, 335. 
Roads, John, 20, 333, 334. 
Roads, John, .Jr., 27. 
Roads, Samuel, 296. 
Roads, Samuel, Jr., 262. 
Robie, Thomas, 126, 137, 3.50. 
Robinson, Frederick, 263, 266, 271, 283. 
Robinson, Rev. John P., 376. 
Rock, Half-way, 338. 
Rodolph, United States Steamer, 303. 
Roff, Samuel, 322. 
Rogers, Samuel, 86. 
Rose, Thomas, 26. 
Roundy, Nathaniel, 270, 295. 
Rover, Sloop, 194. 
Rowden, Benjamin, 148. 
Rowland, Richard, 20, 26. 
Russell, Capt. William, 262. 



INfiEX. 



421 



Kussell, Henn', 2f5. 
Russell, John," 1:5, 108. 
Russell, John, 317. 
Russell, John Cloon, 270. 
Russell, Lewis, l'J2. 
Russell, Mary, 317. 
Russell, Koger, 26. 
Russell, Samuel, 333. 

Sabbath-school Union, 257, 354. 

Salmon Chi, 19. 

Sally, Brig, 181. , 

Sams, Thomas, 14. 

Sanden, Arthur, 14, 19. 

Sanden, Thomas, 26. 

San Domingo, Ship, 243. 

Sanding, Samuel, 26. 

Sargent, Rev. Thomas F., 382. 

Saverin, Edward, G8. 

Savings Bank, Marblehead, 316. 

Schools, Grammar, 255. 

School, High, 265. 

Schouler, Gen. William, 285, 295. 

Schuyler, General, 157. 

Seaburv, Bishop, 373. 

Searle,' William, 335. 

Seers, Richard, 13. 

Selman, Captain, 194, 195. 

Selman, Capt. John, 118, 140, 174, 223, 

342. 
Selman, Miss Marcia M., 323, 3-30. 
Sewall, Joseph, 206, 212. 
Sewall, Samuel, 52, 135, 206, 210, 212, 

214, 218, 219, 223, 235. 
Sewall, Stephen, 207. 
Shannon, Frigate, 248. 
Shaplev, David, 33. 
Shaw, John, 294. 295. 
Shaw, Rev. William, 364, 365. 
Shaw, William, 41. 
Shavs, Daniel. 203. 
Shehan, Rev. Thomas, 388. 
Shepard, Colonel, 151. 
Shepard, General, 303. 
Shute, Governor, 365. 
Sias, Rev. Solomon, 382. 
Simpson, Captain, 180. 
Skinner, Captain, 177. • 
Skinner, Richard, 333. 
Slater, John, 22. 
Smethurst, Gamaliel, 68. 
Smith, James, 17, 18, 26. 
Smith, Joel, 108. 
Smith, John, 243. 
Smith, Rev. William, .382. 
Smith, Right Rev. Benjamin Bosworth, 

374. 
Smyth, Thomas, 10, 26. 
Snow, Adventure, 181. 
Snowbird, Privateer, 242, 243. 
Society, American Tract, 354. 
Society, Columbian, 260. 
Society, Female Humane, 263. 
Society, Hibernian Friendly, 273, 323. 



Society, Massachusetts Medical, 349. 

Society, Seamen's Charitable, 263, 270. 

Society, Soldiers' Aid, 289, 291, 300. 

Society, Spiritualist, 271. 

Society, Unitarian, 300. 

Society, Women's Centennial Aid, 329. 

Sparhawk, Miss Sarah E., 289. 

Sparhawk, John, 134, 338, 348. 

Sparhawk, John, Jr., 263. 

Sparhawk, Peter, 261. 

Sparhawk, Samuel, 261, 319. 

Spaiilding, Rev. Newell S., 382. 

Spaulding, Rev. Nathan B., 382. 

Springbird, The, 195, 196. 

Squirrel, Frigate, 65, 66, 67, 68. 

Stacey, Benjamin, 391. 

Stacev, Ebenezer, 63. 

StaceV, Henrv, 18, 26. 

Stacey, John,' 19, 22, 26, 59, 333. 

Stacey, Joseph, 118, 156. 

Stacey, Widow, 27. 

Stanhope, Capt. Michael, 192. 

Stateman, John, 68. 

St. David, The, 187. 

Stephens, Alexander H., 283. 

Stephens, General, 154. 

Stephens, William, 13. 

Stevens, John, 270. 

Stevens, Robert P., 269. 

Stevens, William, 326. 

Stevers, Walter, 08. 

Stewart, Amy, 818. 

Stewart, John, 318. 

St. Helena, Ship, 191, 192. 

Sticknev, Rev. Moses P., 376. 

Stiles, Captain, 196, 197. 

Stillwell, Capt. John, 191. 

Stilson, Dinson, 26. 

Stirling, Lord, 154. 

Stocking, Rev. Selah S., 382. 

Stone, Benjamin, 266. 

Stone, Rev. Theodore D. P., 36L 

Storv, Bradstreet, 221. 

StorV, Dr. Elisha, 206, 219, 220, 235, 348, 

349, 355. 
Story, Isaac, Jr., 384. 
Storv, Joseph, 44, 45, 214, 215, 219, 235, 

236, 237, 248, 348. 
Story, Rev. Isaac, 123, 133, 135, 342, 345, 

379. 
Story, William, 221, 235, 237, 345. 
Strong, Caleb, 204. 
Strong, Governor, 222. 
Stuart, Rev. Zalmon, 382. 
Sullivan, General, 143, 154, 155, 166, 167, 

168, 170. 
Sumpter, Confederate Steamer, 304. 
Surriage, Agnes, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57. 
Surriage, Edward, 53. 
Surriage, Isaac, 56. 
Sutherland, Rov. George, 382. 
Sutton, Gen. William, 272. 296. 
Sutton Light Infantry, 272, 284, 294, 297, 

299, 300, 346. 



422 



INDEX. 



Swaburgs, Frederick, 68. 
Swain, Mrs., 57. 
Swallow, Sloop, 233. 
Swan, 197. 
Swan, J., 335. 
Swasey, Joseph, 156. 
Swasey, Thomas, 298. 
Sweet, Mason H., 307. 
Swett, Joseph, 43, 51. 
Symes, Captain, 181. 
Svmonds, Henrv 0., 326. 
Syms, Mrs., 33,' 34. 

Talbot, Thomas, 331. 

Tanors, Thomas, 26. 

Tarrantines, 2. 

Tasker, 330. 

Tatnall, Commodore, 308. 

Temperance Union, Christian, 321. 

Tindley, Thomas, 254. 

Tenedos, Frigate, 250. 

Thacher, Anthony, 9, 13. 

Thacher, Oxenbridge, 73. 

Thomas, David, 19, 26. 

Thomas, William, 322. 

Thompson, Benjamin, 267. 

Thompson, Robert, 67. 

Thorn, The, 183, 187, 188, 189, 190, 197, 

242, 246. 
Thorndike, 197. 
Tiberden, Captain, 196. 
Tisjer, The, 195, 197. 
Tiilinghast, Rev. N. P., 376. 
Times, Essex County, 262. 
Tomson, Archibald, 13. 
Tomson, Widow, 14. 
Topham, James, 322. 
Torrent, The, 264. 
Town Pump, 71. 
Traill, Horace, 262. 
Traill, Major, 259. 
Trask, Edward 1., 262. 
Traveller, The, 196. 
Travers, Confederate Schooner, 306. 
Trefry, Henry G., 270. 
Trefrv, Michael, 44. 
Trefry, Miss Tabitha, 289. 
Trefry, Thomas, 68. 
Trefrv, Wormsted, 148. 
Trevett, Henry, 26, 62. 
Trevett, John, 3.33. 
Trevett, Richard, 333. 
Trevett, Samuel R., 108, 111, 115, 117 

194, 198, 206, 273, 375. 
Trevv, Thomas, 26. 
Tribbj', John, 26. 
Tucker, Andrew, 26. 
Tucker, Commodore Samuel, 130, 174, 

175, 177, 179, 180, 181, 184, 185, 186, 

187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 195. 
Tucker, George, 195. 
Tucker, John, 3.35. 
Tucker, Rev. C. G., 387. 
Tucker, Rev. T. W., 382. 



Turner, Joseph P., 273, 319. 
Tutt, Richard, 288. 
Tyranicide, Ship, 197, 199. 

Uncals, William, 68. 
Union, The, 264. 
Upham, Charles W., 272. 
Upham, William P., 171. 

Vallison, Captain, 194, 196. 
Valpej', Thomas, 68. 
Van Buren, Martin, 268. 
Varnum, General, 166. 
Venture, Brig, 185. 
Vickarj', George, 13. 
Victor, The, 178. 
Vigilant, The, 185. 
Ville de Milan, Frigate, 224. 
Viper, Ship, 195. 

Wadden, Jacob, 243. 

Wadsworth, President, 51. 

Waitt, Aaron, 240. 

Wakefield. John, 13 14. 

Walcot, Mary, 31, 32. 

Waldron, John, 22, 26, 333. 

Wales, Sergt. H. F., 287. 

Walpee, Benjamin, 86. 

Walsingham, Francis Johnson, 19. 

Walton, Samuel, 27. 

Walton, William, 13, 14, 18, 19, 23, 26. 

Waltown, Nathaniel, 30. 

Ward, Captain, 180. 

Ward, General, 117, 121, 1.39. 

Ward, Rev. Julius H., 324, 377, 378. 

Ward, Samuel, 23, 26, 30. 

Warren, Captain, 195. 

Warren, Doctor, 90. 

Warren, Isaac, 68. 

Warren, Ralph, 14. 

Warren, The, 197. 

Washington, George, 118, 119, 120, 140, 

141, 142, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 150, 

154, 155, 156, 157, 172, 174, 205, 208, 

210, 211, 219, 342, 344, 351, .368. 

Washington Hook and Ladder Company, 

271, 318. 
Waters, Captain, 174, 391. 
Waters, Hannah, 49. 
Waters, William, 26. 
Watson, 215. 
Watson, John Lee, 127. 
Watson, Marston, 206, 212, 354, 355. 
Watts, James, 27. 
Watts, John, 94. 
Webb, Rev. Daniel, 382. 
Webster, Daniel, 270. 
Weeks, Rev. Joshua Wingate, 125, 370, 

371, 372, 373. 
Welch, Jonathan, 66. 
Well, Stratton's Spring, 334. 
Wells, Rev. Joshua, 382. 
Western World, United States Steamer 
305, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311. 



INDEX. 



423 



Wheelock, Captain, 66. 

Whipple, Commodore, 180, 186. 

Whipple, Major-general, 163. 

White, Capt. John, 195. 

White, James, 8. 

White, Thomas, 26. 

Whitefield, Rev. Charles, 57, 58, 369, 
371. 

Whitehaire, Abraham, 13, 19. 

Whittemore, Dr. H. H. F., 326. 

A^hittemore, Rev. Benjamin, 385. 
Whittier, John G., 336. 

Whitwell, Rev. William, 96, 97, 115, 135, 

198, 359. 
Wiggiu, Rev. James Henry, 380. 
Wilcox, Rev. Bela, 384. 
Wild, Edward, 108. 
Wild, Rev. Zenas P., 385. 
Wilkins, John H., 327. 
Willard, Jacob, 2-42. 
Williams, Abigail, 32. 
Williams, D. R., 236. 
Williams, John, 27, 223. 



Williams, Mrs. Maria L., 273, 289. 
Williams, Rev. John H., 361. 
Winepoj'kin, 3, 4. 
Wiiinopeweekin, .3, 4. 
Winslow, Blr., 2. 
Wiuthrop, Governor, 8, 
Wise, 335. 
Witham, John, -322. 
Wolfe, General, 66, 
Wonohaquahani, 3. 
Wood, Richard, 62. 
Woodbridge, Rev. William R., 376. 
Woodtin, Miss Hannah J., 289. 
"Woodfin, Thomas, 66. 
Woods, William, 26. 
Wooldredge, Thomas, 261. 
Wormwood, Jacob, 33. 
Wormstead, Joseph, 356- 
Wormstead, Robert, 112, 117, 185, 186. 
191. . . , . 

Wormstead & Woodfin, 326. 
Wright, Governor, 119. 
Wyman, Isaac C, 338. 



L^ ' ^6^ 



LHbJa'3Q 



